We breathe a sigh of relief! After being pushed to the limit by an outstanding France, England made their way to the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, sticking to the script. The “Red Roses” will have much to analyze after this 35-17 victory, where, for a large part of the match, they were grateful for the French lack of effectiveness.
England overcame this complicated match thanks to their tenacity and their exceptional forward line. However, in the first half, played in adverse conditions, their handling was poor. If France had shown more precision in attack, the match would have been much more tense.
Finally, the “Red Roses” kept alive their dream of winning the World Cup at home, scoring five tries against France. Ellie Kildunne achieved two individual scores in both halves. The first included a masterful pass from Hannah Botterman, and the second came after a fortuitous rebound, which Kildunne took advantage of to run and secure the victory.
Both were individual efforts, but if a more accurate representation of what this victory cost is sought, the try by Amy Cokayne in the 46th minute, after a maul from the 22-yard line to the try line, and that of Abbie Ward 13 minutes later, after a great job by the forwards, must be highlighted. This was due to pure strength, with the brilliant performance of Megan Jones in the outside center, who scored the fifth try.England will face Canada in the Rugby World Cup final next weekend.In the first half, the English game plan did not adapt to the conditions, leading Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison to attempt more open rugby when kicking the ball was needed. This resulted in handling errors and unusual misses.
France went into halftime only two points behind England, but should have been ahead, wasting a clear opportunity when Marine Menager’s pass didn’t reach Lea Champon, and another that was disallowed for a long forward pass. This happened despite France playing without several key figures: Manae Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu, suspended, Lina Queyroi, with concussion, and Joanna Grisez, injured.
France also felt aggrieved by the refereeing, with England benefiting from some decisions at the rucks and in a play prior to the first English try, as well as some wrong decisions in the second half.
France can be proud of the effort made, but it is England who advances.Throughout the tournament, John Mitchell’s team has played under immense pressure. Rarely has a competition had such a clear favorite team. This was their 32nd consecutive undefeated match, and the 17th against France. These are incredible statistics that demonstrate why they are the dominant force in world rugby, and why we must judge them according to the standards and level of performance that we know they are capable of achieving.
Finally, after passing this test, it can be considered that it was a valuable afternoon for England.
Given England’s history against France, there was a fear that they might not be up to the task for Saturday’s final against the outstanding Canada, who defeated the Black Ferns on Friday. But there are no doubts anymore. This was more than a dress rehearsal for their final, it was the match where all the plans could have fallen apart. Instead, they found a way to come out on top, thanks to unwavering self-belief, confidence in the process and, ultimately, power and honed precision. That Jones scored his fifth try was fitting for what should have officially been a Player of the Match performance.
During the entire tournament, the “Red Roses” have used the analogy of climbing Everest to describe their journey. This week they spoke of being in the “death zone”, knowing that a slip could cause everything to come crashing down.
This was a treacherous test. But they overcame it, and there is no danger that they are not prepared for next week. This was the test they needed, and they found a way to overcome it. It’s the mentality that champions are made of.
Now they have one more match to secure their place in rugby immortality.
