When ‘Freddie’ Fredrickson leads her team on to the pitch today she should be firmly aware that the game is likely to be won and lost in her own domain – the back row. Alongside the Combined Service capped captain of the Navy Women’s team will be fellow CS caps Paula Bennett-Smith* and Charlie Lewis. Together they will need to ensure that the Marine Nationale Feminine back row, led by full french international, Amandine Vaupre at 8 and with Maelle Dauriac and Eva Dourthe on the flanks do not provide the quick ball on which all french three quarter lines seem to thrive.
Charlie Lewis, herself a scottish international, will probably also need to ensure that the second international within the RCMN(F) side, outside centre Caroline Ladanous is also well marshalled and kept quiet for the 80 minutes. Not an easy task.
The RN(W) meet an RCMN(F) side that have had four matches together with a W2L2 record. The win were against a Paris XV 24-0 back in November and a February victory 17-10 against La Valette. Their two losses have both come at the hands of teams in the Top 10 league of French rugby. In January Lyon beat them 10-0 and only last month they lost 17-0 to Gennevilliers.
Sam Cuff, the Navy Women’s Coach knows his team will need to take a step forward from their Trojan’s match and work very hard for each other today as they look to enjoy the best possible preparation for the 2012 Inter Service match.
Outside of the back row vice captain Taff Jenkins will need to ensure that the backs are brought in to the game but also be prepared to let the likes of the only Navy capped player on show, Emma Swinton, carry the hard yards when required.
* Yet to be confirmed whether Paula will be in back row or elsewhere in the side as the final team has yet to be announced.
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