Fiji vs France Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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A win over France should be enough to send Fiji through to the semi-finals with New Zealand and Papua New Guinea playing each other in this final round of pool play.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
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Fiji team news: Paseka fit to play
Maria Paseka has given Fiji a big boost by recovering from the leg injury that sidelined her last time out and she is named in a squad that has seen three people removed in Abigayle Sekitoga, Nanise Vakacavu and Sienna Laing.
Squad: Cassie Staples, Maria Paseka, Isabella Waterman, Taina Naividi, Tahlia Marshall, Luisa Yaranamua, Losana Lutu, Latisha Smythe, Sereana Naitokatoka, Lorren Ieli, Elizabeth Naleba, Talei Holmes, Leilani Ahsam, Ema Masi, Aliti Namoce, Naomi Tegu, Rory Muller, Teaghan Hartigan, Ebony Laing
France team news: Change in leadership
With regular captain Tallis Eranossian named in the reserves, Elisa Akpa will lead France in this game, with Louisa Tooman available off the bench after not featuring against New Zealand.
Squad: Manon Samarra, Margot Canal, Melissa Medina, Perle Ramazeilles, Haoua Kessely, Camille Boudaud, Lisa Diraison, Elisa Akpa, Cristina Song Puche, Elodie Pacull, Perrine Monsarrat, Stecy Bessiere, Leila Bessahli, Fanny Ramos, Salome Segala, Louisa Tooman, Justine Roses, Amael Vilanove, Tessa Benmalek
Will Fiji qualify for the semi-finals?
Open poll and resultsFiji vs France prediction
France have proven to be the weakest team in Pool B and with 150 points conceded compared to just four scored, it’s easy to see why they are huge underdogs in this one. Fiji will be looking to capitalise on facing substantially lesser opposition and with victory crucial for them, don’t expect any complacency to creep into the minds of these Fiji players.
This really shouldn’t be about which team will win, but rather about how many times Fiji will score. France have leaked points at an alarming rate all tournament long and that isn’t expected to change. Fiji will surely win this game and do so in commanding fashion, piling up a huge haul of points to help ensure their semi-final qualification.
Fiji vs France tip: Fiji to win with -61.5 handicap
