As the sun sets over Twickenham this Saturday, April 26, 2025, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the final of the Women’s Six Nations Tournament. This highly anticipated matchup sees England, the world’s top-ranked team, face off against France, a team desperate to end a fourteen-game losing streak against their arch-rivals.
The atmosphere is electric as the Red Roses, unbeaten and aiming for their seventh consecutive Grand Slam, prepare to defend their title against a French side that has shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament. With kickoff scheduled for 17:45, fans are eager to see if the French can finally break the curse that has haunted them since their last victory over England in March 2018.
The stakes are high. England has dominated the competition, scoring an impressive 33 tries and boasting a point difference of +184. In contrast, France’s journey to this final has been more tumultuous, with their most recent match against Italy showcasing their ability to grind out a win, albeit with some struggles, ending 21-34.
Head coach David Ortiz knows that his team faces a monumental challenge. “We are aware that we are up against probably the best team in the world, and we will need to play nearly a perfect match to win,” Ortiz stated. His co-captain, Marine Ménager, echoed this sentiment, insisting, “Yes, they are the best team in the world. No, the stats are not in our favor. But in rugby, we’ve seen underdogs triumph before. We’ve never seen ourselves as losers.”
The French squad, however, comes into this match with a few significant setbacks. They will be without key players Romane Ménager and Séraphine Okemba, both sidelined due to concussion protocols, as well as Montserrat Amédée, leaving the team with a challenging task ahead. Despite these absences, the French players are determined to put forth their best effort.
“It’s a big team, but we know we can beat them,” said scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus, one of the few players remaining from the last victory over England. “We just want to prove what we can do.”
In preparation for this match, Ortiz and his coaching staff have devised a plan to counter the English strengths, focusing on maintaining possession and discipline during set pieces. “They are very effective at their strengths, but they have also learned to play wide and occupy the field,” Ortiz explained. “For us, the key will be to hold our ground and impose our rhythm.”
Historically, the French have had their share of near misses against England, with a notable match in 2023 where they nearly pulled off a comeback at Twickenham, rallying from a 33-0 deficit to lose narrowly at 38-33. This memory lingers in the minds of the players, serving as both motivation and a reminder of the challenge ahead.
Looking ahead, the match is not just a battle for the Six Nations title but also a precursor to the upcoming World Cup later this year. The French team aims to use this opportunity to build momentum and confidence as they prepare for the global stage. “This match is not just about a title; it’s about writing history,” Ménager stated. “We’ve turned enough pages without being the heroines.”
As the clock counts down to kickoff, anticipation builds. Twickenham, often regarded as the home of English rugby, will be filled with fans eager to witness this epic clash. The match will be broadcast live on France 2, with pre-match coverage beginning at 17:00.
In the end, both teams are set to clash with everything on the line—pride, history, and the coveted Grand Slam. The French aim to rewrite their narrative, while England seeks to continue their reign of dominance. With the kickoff just moments away, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
