Reigning Grand Slam champions England made history last weekend as they beat France on the road for the first time since 2012; now it’s time to do it all again.
The reverse fixture sees Annick Hayraud’s side cross the channel for Exeter and Sandy Park – the scene of England’s record-breaking attendance against Italy in the 2019 Women’s Six Nations.
Les Bleues can therefore expect a partisan crowd and will – like England – have a duck to break if they are to end their winless run on Red Roses’ soil that stretches back to 2013.
But, in a fixture that has long been dominated by the hosts, Simon Middleton’s side showed what could be done in Clermont last time out.
A pair of Sarah Hunter scores saw them edge their way to a 20-10 triumph in thrilling style, as France pressed them hard in the second 40.
Middleton is certainly aware of the threat posed by Les Bleues – a side who have beaten world champions New Zealand twice on the spin – opting to name an unchanged 23 for the clash.
Marlie Packer is in line for her 70th cap, while Worcester Warriors flyer Lydia Thompson starts on the wing.
And Middleton certainly isn’t counting his chickens ahead of the match, well aware that France will be smarting for revenge in Devon.
“I expect both teams to have shaken off some of the ring rust this week and the skill execution should be evident in the performances,” he said.
“Certainly, from our point of view, we will be looking to improve on a couple of areas, the primary one being our handling.
“France had the lion’s share of both the possession and field position last week, which we countered with a very good defensive performance. This week, we will be looking to address both those balances and with it, show more of our attacking capabilities.
“Sandy Park is a great venue. When we played there against Italy in the Six Nations, the reception from the crowd and the people of Exeter was brilliant, and we can’t wait for Saturday’s game.”
For France, Safi N’Diaye beat Packer to the septuagenarian mark last time out and will earn her 71st cap for Les Bleues in the second row on Saturday, and she is looking to put things right this time around.
“We came out of the Clermont game with a lot of frustration. We made too many gifts to the English to be able to prevail,” she admitted.
Hayraud, unlike Middleton, has chosen to tweak her XV, offering Ian Jason a starting berth on the left wing, with Laura Sansus coming in for Pauline Bourdon at scrum-half and Morgane Peyronnet slotting in for Caroline Drouin at 10.
Up front, there is only one alteration, as Celine Ferer comes in at flanker for Marjorie Mayans.
England: Sarah McKenna, Lydia Thompson, Emily Scarratt, Zoe Harrison, Abby Dow, Katy Daley-Mclean, Leanne Riley, Hannah Botterman, Lark Davies, Sarah Bern, Zoe Aldcroft, Abbie Scott, Sarah Beckett, Marlie Packer, Sarah Hunter
Replacements: Heather Kerr, Ellena Perry, Shaunagh Brown, Poppy Cleall, Vicky Fleetwood, Natasha Hunt, Emily Scott, Jess Breach
France: Jessy Tremouliere, Caroline Boujard, Camille Boudaud, Gabrielle Vernier, Ian Jason, Morgane Peyronnet, Laure Sansus, Annaelle Deshayes, Agathe Sochat, Clara Joyeux, Lenaig Corson, Safi N’Diaye, Celine Ferer, Gaelle Hermet, Romane Menager
Replacements: Caroline Thomas, Celia Domain, Dhia Traore, Amelie Roux, Julie Annery, Pauline Bourdon, Marie-Aurelie Castel, Marine Menager
