COMBINED SERVICES WOMEN v FRANCE FEMENIN

England got off to a quick start in Wakefield, scoring a try early on. This jolt galvanised the visitors, and less than five minutes after going behind, France drew level through a Ludivine Miorin try having pinned the British in their own territory. A second try, by winger Sonia Benchoug, made it 10-6 to the Tricolors. As time progressed, French skill and size were in the ascendancy, with Jennifer Boukheili’s try making it 16-10 at the break.

Olivier Janzac’s team scored almost immediately after the re-start through XIII Provençal prop Audrey Pene. The French captain’s try made it 20-10 and gave the French their winning edge. A yellow card to Caroline Esadieu in an increasingly scrappy game handed the British a chance, which they took to make it 20-14.

Janzac was pleased with his side’s progress, with eyes on the world cup in 2012, saying “this French national team has passed certain point, which augurs well for the world cup.”

FRANCE FEMENIN
Miorin Ludivine, Benchoug Sonia, Guigue Lauriane, Cousseau Rachel, Janvier Marine, Bentley Jane Marie, Zaghdoudi Sonia, Zaghdoudi Nabila, Labrunie Elise, Pene Audrey (C), Signoret Maud Lacoste Delphine Calvo Virginie, Boukehili Jennifer, N’daye Safi, Campanela Cassandre, Estadieu Caroline, Gonzalez Marine, M’raidi Mira, Alleman Emanuelle, Chu Maria

COMBINED SERVICES WOMEN
No squad recorded