(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
France Storm into Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals with Record Win
France have booked their place in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after a commanding 84–5 victory over Brazil at Sandy Park in Exeter.
It took just four minutes for Les Bleues to open the scoring, with Emilie Boulard crossing the line. Captain Marine Ménager quickly followed up with her first try, before Pauline Bourdon extended the lead. By the 12th minute, France were already ahead 21–0, setting the tone for a dominant first half.
By halftime, the French side had built a commanding 53–0 lead, with Ménager completing a hat-trick just before the break. Their pace, creativity, and attacking flair proved too much for Brazil, who struggled to contain the relentless pressure.
Second Half Highlights
France continued their momentum in the second half. Sevens star Seraphine Okemba impressed with two tries, showing her impact in the 15s format. By the 60th minute, the score had stretched even further, but Brazil found their own moment of glory.
Bianca Silva sprinted away to score Brazil’s first ever Women’s Rugby World Cup try, a historic moment that drew the loudest cheer of the day from the Exeter crowd. The celebrations reflected the significance of the achievement for Brazilian rugby, regardless of the final scoreline.
Key Performers
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Emilie Boulard: Outstanding at fullback with over 100 metres gained in the opening half hour.
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Marine Ménager: Led by example, scoring a hat-trick in the first half.
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Seraphine Okemba: Shone in her starting debut with strong carries and two tries.
By the Numbers
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Tries: France 14 – Brazil 1
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Line Breaks: France 19 – Brazil 1
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Carries: France 147 – Brazil 117
The Bigger Picture
This win means France advance to the quarter-finals after back-to-back victories over Italy and Brazil. Their blend of pace, power, and unpredictability makes them one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
For Brazil, Silva’s try marked a milestone that will inspire future generations of players. Despite the defeat, their resilience and the support from fans created a memorable atmosphere at Sandy Park.
As the competition moves into the knockout stages, all eyes will be on whether France can carry this same energy into the later rounds.
