France, as expected, are using the depth of their squad as they take on Brazil for the very first time. Just four players remain from their impressive opening 24-0 win over Italy, but the big news is the return of talismanic No.9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus – back after a two-match ban.
For As Yaras it is a chance to test themselves against one of the very best. All eyes are on the white line, with Brazil openly targeting a first RWC try. Either way, there will tons of colour, joy and commitment on show in Exeter.
Kick-off: 16:45 BST, Sunday, 31 August
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
If you have a ticket already, make sure you read Canada international and Exeter Chiefs legend Emily Tuttosi’s Guide to her home-from-home.
How to watch: Head here to get a last-minute ticket.
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France team
France’s key player: It is impossible to ignore Pauline Bourdon Sansus. Arguably the world’s best scrum-half, she is central to so much of France’s best stuff. Renewing her halfback partnership with Toulouse teammate Lina Queyroi at this stage of the tournament is great news for Les Bleues.
Brazil team
Brazil’s key player: Number eight Iris Coluna has been a stalwart of Brazilian rugby and the 35-year-old, vice-captain, is intending to lead from the front against the mighty French. Expect plenty of energy and no little passion.
What they said:
France co-head coach Gaëlle Mignot:
“We’ve said it from the start – we want to build momentum. There was frustration in attack against Italy, some areas just didn’t click. When you get into the red zone 15 times and don’t come away with points, you know something’s missing.
“Against Brazil the focus is on us. We need to finish our chances every time they come.
“Of course there was relief after that first match against the toughest team in the pool, but above all there was frustration that we hadn’t delivered a more complete performance. We’ve spent three months preparing very specific areas, and in attack we weren’t at the level we wanted.
“This weekend we’ll have lots of possession, plenty of turnover ball – and in those situations, precision is everything.”
France captain Marine Ménager:
“It’s a first for me (being sole captain without usual co-captain Manae Feleu). I’ll be discovering some things, especially around what happens before and during the game. I’ll need support from the forwards because of my position, and also when it comes to communicating with the referee – my English isn’t strong enough. But I’ll be well supported: Agathe [Gerin] will be there to help me with that during the match.”
Brazil head coach Emiliano Caffera:
“In South America, like in the men’s game; we have a potential in rugby. We need a structure; we are one of the two nations from 15 in South America. The other one, Colombia, was strong but there is a lot of change which has stopped them. We need to be with a lot of countries playing 15s; if not, we can’t grow.
“All the 15s-playing nations play too far away from us. We don’t have championships to play for. Maybe this is a way to improve women’s rugby in South America but it’s not easy, we need a lot of things. We want to be the first country to pave the road for women’s rugby in South America.”
Brazil captain Eshyllen Coimbra:
“We felt like we were ready, to be able to lead out for Brazil for the first time. We were living the dream for everyone! We felt proud of our dream coming true, we have had each other’s back, being together, not because it’s just our dream but the people who came before us too.”