England power past France to reach Women’s Rugby World Cup final against Canada

THE SPRINGBOK women may have been eliminated after what was an impressive run, but that doesn’t mean that the Women’s Rugby World Cup has stopped producing breathtaking rugby.

And after a nailbiting contest, England’s Red Roses are through to a seventh straight Women’s Rugby World Cup final after grinding out a 35-17 win over France in Bristol.

The world number one side looked far from comfortable in the first half, edging ahead just 7-5 at the break as France dominated territory but failed to finish. England’s forwards kept them in the contest until their attack finally clicked after the interval.

Ellie Kildunne delivered the game’s defining moments, scoring twice — including what was hailed as an incredible individual score — while Megan Jones, Amy Cokayne and Abbie Ward added further tries. Kildunne drew high praise from pundits, with Ruby Tui, Simon Middleton and Maggie Alphonsi describing her performance as proof she is the world’s best player.

The platform, though, was laid up front. Prop Hannah Botterman was outstanding, producing three turnovers in the first half alone and providing the pass for Kildunne’s opening try. Her all-action display was described as a career-best performance. 

Despite the victory, Botterman underlined England’s focus, saying: “We have not won anything.”

England now face Canada in Saturday’s Twickenham final. The Canadians stunned defending champions New Zealand 34-19 in their semi-final, scoring four first-half tries in what was described as a seismic and fairytale result.

Canada, who lost their only previous final to England in 2014, arrive full of confidence. Former international Lesley McKenzie warned they will bring “chaos and unstructured rugby” and added their fitness will be real troublesome next week.

England head coach John Mitchell welcomed the showdown, calling it “awesome for the game” that the world’s top two sides will meet. But Katy Daley-McLean urged caution, warning that Canada’s offload game could expose England if they do not sharpen up after their laboured semi-final showing.