John Mitchell’s Red Roses are through to the final following a 35-17 win over France, in a match played at Bristol’s Ashton Gate. The World Cup hosts will clash with Canada for the chance to claim the most prestigious crown of the oval sport.
A proper World Cup Le Crunch
England and France faced each other for the 58th time in their history in a fully packed Asthon Gate, with the Red Roses coming up on top.
Although the final score may suggest that England had the upper hand and maintained control throughout the match, this was not entirely the case, as the Les Bleues had more than a handful of chances to make a turnaround of events possible.
The hosts collected their first points even before the 5th minute mark, following a superb sprint from fullback Ellie Kildunne, who ran unopposed until the in-goal area. Zoe Harrison added the extras in an afternoon where she didn’t miss a single conversion.
However, France was able to stop the English forward pack from asserting dominance, accelerating the game's tempo and ball flow by keeping the ball alive. Under Pauline Bourdon Sansus cunning game management, the Les Bleues drew close to England’s try area, finally breaking through the blockade to earn a five-pointer of their own. After several phases, centre Nassira Konde evaded a few defenders to bag her side’s first 5 points.
With momentum on their backs, France came close of getting on the lead, but a knock-on and a turnover stopped the Les Bleues on their tracks. Match official Maggie Cogger-Orr signalled for half-time, with two points drawing the difference.
After the break, England and France traded tries again, as hooker Amy Cokayne and wing Kelly Arbey scored one each.
Unfortunately for Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz, France was unable to keep up the pace and eventually began to commit a series of its own errors, fuelling England’s counterattack. With the forward pack setting the tone, the hosts nailed three more tries from Abbie Ward, Ellie Kildunne and Megan Jones.
Nassia Konde was able to reach a brace, but it wasn’t enough to change the game’s course, as England had done enough to earn qualification to the World Cup final.
Marine Ménager, France’s captain, shared her view about what went wrong for her team and her side’s chances to win the bronze medal.
“They played very hard. Every opportunity they had, they scored tries, so it’s very hard to play against them. Congratulations for them, to reach the final.”
“We want to reward the group, and we’ll be facing a great New Zealand side as well. We’ll have to prepare seriously and not dwell on this semi-final defeat. We have to get back up quickly – and this team has the strength to do that. It’s up to us to prove it next weekend.”
England’s captain Zoe Aldcroft was pleased with how her team was able to hold out against France.
"We knew they were going to come after us. They have faced adversity all week. Our defence - I cannot fault the girls. I'm so proud we've got here, we're going to a final. I am super excited for the week."
Prop sensation Hannah Botterman spoke about Canada and what fans can expect from the World Cup final.
"Not surprised. They have been playing very good rugby, a different style than most teams play. We are excited to play them. A big game for them yesterday, they've probably got some sore bodies."
The 2025 Rugby World Cup final is scheduled for September 27th, with Canada and England clashing in a fully packed Allianz Stadium. France and New Zealand will contest the bronze medal final, which will take place on the same day but a couple of hours before the gold medal final.
By Francisco Isaac
Photos: World Rugby
