England Secures Spot in Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
England qualified for their seventh consecutive Women’s Rugby World Cup final, following an exciting and hard-fought semi-final victory against France, with a score of 35-17.
The match, which took place on Saturday, was exactly what the tournament needed. Despite some tense moments for the Red Roses, the audience present at Ashton Gate remained on the edge of their seats, enjoying a top-level sporting spectacle. This exciting battle set the stage for next week’s final against Canada.
The expectations of an easy match for England were frustrated from the start, as France proved to be a formidable rival.
The promising start for the Red Roses came thanks to the outstanding performance of Ellie Kildunne. The player of the year, with impressive speed, left the French defense behind, scoring a try under the posts.Amy Cokayne, England hooker, is one of the best in the world.However, instead of giving in, France responded strongly, complicating the hosts’ game with a combative attitude. The French strategy, based on physical strength, allowed them to compete with the best team in the world, obtaining their reward in the 23rd minute with a try by Nassira Konde.
England, although threatening in attack, suffered ball losses. France, for its part, saw a try disallowed for a forward pass, which was a psychological blow for the English women.
Key players like Meg Jones and Kildunne stood out individually, but the pressure on the scoreboard, with only a two-point lead at halftime, was evident.
The second half began with a try from Amy Cokayne after a maul, demonstrating England’s strength. The match intensified with an altercation following an action by Kildunne, testing the usual superiority of the Red Roses. France, far from giving up, responded with a try from Joanna Grisez, closing the gap in the score.
England proved their worth, and Kildunne, with another brilliant play, ran half the field to score a try that relieved the tension. Although France responded with another try by Konde, it was already too late. Jones, with a try in the last minutes, sealed England’s pass to the final.
The depth of the English bench proved crucial in the final moments.
The semi-final, although with moments of nervousness, culminated with the celebration of England, who secured their place in the World Cup final.
