England Secures Spot in Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
England qualified for their seventh consecutive Women’s Rugby World Cup final after an exciting semi-final against France, with a final score of 35-17.
The match, filled with tension and excitement, was just what the tournament needed. Although there were moments of trouble for the “Red Roses”, the audience present at Ashton Gate remained on the edge of their seats, enjoying a high-level sporting spectacle. This confrontation set the stage for next week’s final against Canada.
If the English fans were expecting an easy match, they were mistaken. France came with the intention of competing.
It seemed that England would quickly take the lead thanks to the outstanding performance of Ellie Kildunne. The world player of the year demonstrated her speed on the left wing, leaving the French defense behind.The French defense tried to stop her, but Kildunne managed to dodge her rivals and score under the posts.
Instead of giving in, France stepped up their game. They managed to make the hosts uncomfortable with a physical and aggressive game throughout the match.
France showed the intensity needed to compete against the best team in the world and was rewarded at 23 minutes. After attempting a more open game, they opted for a game of attrition, patiently building phases and wearing down the English defense. The ball moved from right to left and then back to the right, allowing Nassira Konde to score.
England threatened again in attack, but errors in passes and lost balls prevented them from advancing. France responded and had a try disallowed for a forward pass. Despite this, it was a psychological victory for them.
Key players stood out for England. Meg Jones had an outstanding performance, and Kildunne covered practically the entire field. Each of their attacks was threatening and entertaining, but the pressure on the scoreboard was palpable, with the “Red Roses” leading by only two points at halftime.
England started the second half strongly, and soon scored their second try. Their maul proved too strong for France, with Amy Cokayne managing to score.
England was ready for battle. There was a confrontation after Kildunne pushed Carla Arbez to the ground after forcing her off the field. The intensity was a true test for the “Red Roses”, who are usually dominant. France did not give up and went back to basics, with the forwards establishing the platform for the ball to reach Joanna Grisez, who scored in the corner. Bourgeois converted, bringing the score closer to two points. It was time for England to show why they are the best in the world, and they did.
The substitutes brought fresh energy, and their depth proved crucial in the final stages. Scrum-half Natasha Hunt took a quick tap in midfield, and the hosts advanced. Speed at the ruck allowed them to move, and Abby Ward scored near the hour mark.
Ten minutes later, Kildunne starred in another moment of brilliance, running half the French field, surpassing three defenders to score in the right corner. The stadium let out a collective sigh of relief. France responded with a second try by Konde, but it was too late.
Jones scored two minutes from the end, celebrating England’s qualification for the final, albeit not without some moments of tension.
