The French women's XV made a solid start to the season on Saturday in Exeter, dominating Italy (24-0) in their first match of the 2025 World Cup. With three tries and no points conceded, Les Bleues have a serious chance of securing first place in their group, which should avoid an early clash against New Zealand. However, despite the score, the performance was not entirely convincing.
A clear victory but without an offensive bonus
After a sluggish first half, only winger Joanna Grisez was able to light up the game with a 40-meter breakthrough into the in-goal area. Prop Assia Khalfaoui and flanker Charlotte Escudero then increased the score in the second half, while the French defense remained unstoppable. But the clumsiness, slow ball exits, and lack of offensive bonus points left some regrets against a tenacious but limited opponent.
There's no shortage of satisfaction, however: the French scrum dominated outrageously, striker Morgane Bourgeois was precise, and the defense held firm during the rare Italian incursions. "We know we can still improve, but we have confidence in the squad," assured co-coach David Ortiz.
Still, the comparison with England, who inflicted a severe 69-7 on the United States the day before, is cruel. Les Bleues will have to raise their game if they want to break their historic glass ceiling in the World Cup and finally aim for a final.
