New Zealand vs France Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
New Zealand come into this pool stage encounter as very heavy favourites against a struggling France.
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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New Zealand team news: Changes across the team
New Zealand have made a number of changes to their team, but the only player to be withdrawn from the squad is Brianna Clark. Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Tenika Willison are among the new names set to start.
Squad: Apii Nicholls, Tenika Willison, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Mackenzie Wiki, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Raecene McGregor, Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale, Ivana Lauitiiti, Annessa Biddle, Kaiyah Atai, Brooke Anderson, Ashleigh Quinlan, Shannon Mato, Shaniece Monschau, Trinity Tauaneai, Abigail Roache, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Otesa Pule, Zahara Temara, Leianne Tufuga
France team news: Kessely fit to feature
After not being able to play last time out, Haoua Kessely is good to go for this game and will start on the wing for France. Amael Vilanove makes way for Kessely.
Squad: Manon Samarra, Margot Canal, Melissa Medina, Perle Ramazeilles, Haoua Kessely, Camille Boudaud, Lisa Diraison, Elisa Akpa, Fanny Ramos, Leila Bessahli, Perrine Monsarrat, Stacy Bessiere, Justine Roses, Noemie Samuel, Salome Segala, Tallis Eranossian, Elodie Pacull, Cristina Song Puche, Tessa Benmalek, Sarah Louise Vernay, Amael Vilanove, Louisa Tooman
How many points will New Zealand score in this match?
Open poll and resultsNew Zealand vs France prediction
New Zealand were far from at their best against Fiji, losing the game at half-time. Whilst they came back to win 18-12, it wasn’t convincing and Ricky Henry has acted with the changes made to his team. There will have no doubt been some strong words exchanged inside the locker room and you would expect a significantly improved showing from New Zealand.
France were thrashed 58-4 by France and looked out of their depth across the 80 minutes. It should be the same story here and New Zealand will surely win comfortably, but how much they win by depends on the performance. If it’s better than what we saw against Fiji, then the size of victory should be big.
New Zealand vs France tip: New Zealand to win with -52.5 handicap
