As the kickoff approaches for the Six Nations 2025 tournament, anticipation is building around the French women's rugby team, known as Les Bleues, as they prepare to face Ireland in a crucial match at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2 PM. This encounter marks the beginning of their quest for a successful tournament and a potential path back to championship glory, as they seek their seventh title in the competition, a feat they last achieved seven years ago.
The stakes are palpable, not just for the immediate tournament, but also as a significant step toward the looming World Cup in England scheduled from August 22 to September 27, 2025. The French squad, coming off a year of mixed results in 2024, understands the importance of making a strong impression in Belfast. Historically dominant over Ireland, France has not lost to their rivals since 2017. But they cannot afford to underestimate the Green Army, who have shown promising growth under new leadership.
Gabrielle Vernier, one of the team's key players, acknowledges the team's pressure and the need to deliver a strong performance right from the start. "On paper, we are still a team above," she stated, underscoring the sentiment that the French side is favored in this matchup. However, Vernier also recognizes the rise of the Irish team, asserting, "They have made structural changes that gave them confidence," referencing the team's elevation from tenth to sixth place in the world rankings under head coach Scott Bemand since his appointment in the summer of 2023.
France is determined to shake off the doubts from their prior outings, where they faced damaging defeats against Canada (46-24) and New Zealand (39-14) during the Women XV series last fall. Teani Feleu, a key player to watch in the tournament, voiced the importance of showing improvement by saying, "We must impose our game to prove we have evolved during this time." This sentiment is echoed by hooker Agathe Sochat, who added, "We can't start slowly because a mediocre match won't be enough," hinting at their collective resolve to deliver their best.
As this tournament opens up, the French women are also looking to assert their capabilities in front of an audience that is expected to be hostile towards them in Belfast. The Irish rugby fans, passionate and dedicated, are eager to support their growing team, and Vernier acknowledges this challenge, stating, "It boosts us on some level, because we know we will face a hostile crowd. We are alone against everyone; we need to unleash our power and give it our all." This sense of urgency encapsulates the mood surrounding the French camp as they look to set a tone for the tournament.
The Six Nations has long been a competitive platform for women's rugby, and this year is particularly significant following the successes of the French men's and U20 teams in their respective tournaments. A strong performance from the women's side could mirror that of their male counterparts, who recently claimed their title in the Six Nations. This interlinking of triumphs is a source of motivation for the players, who are keenly aware of their past achievements and the expectation from fans and coaches alike.
Broadcasting their journey, the match will be available on France 2, providing fans the chance to witness this exciting clash live. As the tournament unfolds, every match becomes crucial for both teams. For the French women, not only is this match pivotal for their standings in the tournament but also a crucial preparation step for the World Cup. They know that consistency and confidence are critical as they gear up to face their toughest competition yet.
With fans eagerly awaiting the result and watching closely from home, the air of excitement around the Six Nations continues to grow. In this first match of the tournament, the eyes will be on Les Bleues to see if they can rise to the occasion and begin their campaign with a resounding victory against Ireland. The upcoming battle in Belfast will not merely be about winning a game; it's about setting a precedent for the tournament and establishing their place as a formidable force in women's rugby once again.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, hopes are high for the French women's team. Will they secure a victory and set the stage for a championship run? All is set for what promises to be an electrifying start to the Six Nations 2025.
