Rugby: Strong line up for French semifinal

Black Ferns fullback Victoria Grant. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand women's rugby coach Brian Evans has restored his tried-and-true performers for the World Cup semifinal against France in London tomorrow morning.

The same starting XV, with one exception, from their tournament-opening defeat of South Africa last week was picked.

Prop Doris Taufateau is replaced by Mel Bosman at tighthead from the side who crushed the South Africans55-3.

Evans rang the changes for the subsequent pool defeats of Australia, 32-5, and Wales, 41-8.

Canterbury loose forward Melissa Ruscoe regains the captaincy duties for the semifinal while Auckland winger Renee Wickcliffe also returns to the starting lineup, having recovered from the calf injury that saw her miss the Wales match on Sunday morning.

Evans said he was impressed with the solid defeat of Wales considering the nine changes he made to the starting lineup.

"We scored some great tries and controlled the match very well, we had some problems with ball retention and that is something we have worked hard on this week," he said.

"France is a big and strong team with some quality backs and they will present a real challenge to us. It is important the players remain focused on this match."

France won all three of their pool matches in relatively tight fashion, against Sweden 15-9, Scotland 17-7 and Canada 23-8.

England and Australia will contest the other semifinal.

NEW ZEALAND v FRANCE

15. Victoria Grant
14. Carla Hohepa
13. Huriana Manuel
12. Kelly Brazier
11. Renee Wickcliffe
10. Anna Richards
9. Emma Jensen
8. Casey Robertson
7. Justine Lavea
6. Melissa Ruscoe (c)
5. Victoria Heighway
4. Vita Robinson
3. Mel Bosman
2. Fiao'o Faamausili
1. Ruth McKay

Reserves: Karina Penetito, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Monalisa Codling, Joan Sione, Kendra Cocksedge, Rebecca Mahoney, Trish Hina

- NZPA