FRANCE were disappointed to lose all three World Cup pool matches four years ago and will be hoping for a better outcome this time around.

Currently sitting fourth on the IRL rankings, the Chanticleers had their best result against England for some time when they went down 38-4 in July this year, before a 36-8 win over a Nigeria team on the rise. 

It’s worth noting that France led 4-0 after 15 minutes against England, the result of two penalty-goals. 

An issue for France is the relatively small pool of players they have to choose from compared to other nations. This has been compounded by experienced second row or centre Lauréane Biville withdrawing from the squad after re-injuring her knee playing with Wigan Warriors.

A number of players have taken opportunities to play at a higher level in Australia and the UK which will only benefit the squad.

KEY PLAYERS

ELISA AKPA’S leadership and experience, combined with a high workrate, will be key. She has played for York Valkyrie in Super League and has recently turned out for for Wests Tigers in the NSW Premiership and Gungahlin Bulls in the Canberra competition, so knows the game. 

Haoua Kessely is a former French long- and triple-jump champion, who started her rugby league career at prop before switching to the wing and scoring four tries in the recent clash against Nigeria. 

Stecy Bessière comes in after a short spell with Leeds Rhinos and is part of a group of young, talented players at France’s disposal.

COACH

WIGANER Alan Walsh took over the role in January this year from long-term coach Romaine Maillot. 

Walsh has lived in France since 1999, coaching FC Lézignan and Carcassonne XIII men’s teams and has a good understanding of the culture and rugby league environment, all of which should benefit the national side.

SQUAD

Elisa Akpa (Catalans Dragons), Téssa Benmalek (Catalans Dragons), Leïla Bessahli (Catalans Dragons), Stecy Bessière (Lescure Arthès), Camille Boudaud  (Lescure Arthès), Margot Canal (Catalans Dragons), Lisa Diraison (Lescure Arthès), Tallis Eranossian (Bègles), Chahrazad Himoudi (Lescure Arthès), Haoua Kessely (Ayguesvives), Melissa Medina (Lescure Arthès), Perrine Monsarrat (Lescure Arthès), Élodie Pacull (Lescure Arthès), Perle Ramazeilles (Lescure Arthès), Fanny Ramos (Catalans Dragons), Justine Roses (Catalans Dragons), Manon Samarra (Lescure Arthès), Noémie Samuel (Lescure Arthès), Salomé Segala (Lescure Arthès), Cristina Song-Puche (Catalans Dragons), Louisa Tooman (Lescure Arthès), Sarah-Louise Vernay (Catalans Dragons), Amaël Vilanove (Ayguesvives).