England and France: One step away from the Women’s Rugby World Cup final
After the group stage and the quarter-finals, England and France are one match away from securing their place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final. This weekend the semi-finals will be played, where the favorites, the Red Roses, will seek to overcome a strong French selection that will try to surprise. The winner will face Canada or New Zealand, who compete in the other semi-final.Unlike the other semi-final, England and France know each other well. They meet annually in the Women’s Six Nations, where England won 43-42 in April. In addition, they played each other in a warm-up match before the tournament, with a resounding victory for England by 40-6.
Key Match Details
Date: Saturday, September 20th
Time: 3:30 p.m. BST (12:30 a.m. AEST)
Place: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Team News and Starting XVs
Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman return from their injuries, suffered in the last group stage match against Australia. Opening Zoe Harrison and second row Abbie Ward also return to the starting team after coming off the bench in the quarter-final against Scotland. Kildunne suffered a concussion against the Wallaroos, which automatically ruled her out for 12 days, while Botterman suffered a back spasm.Ashton Gate was the scene of a great performance in difficult conditions last weekend, and the girls are eager to go out again for the semi-final. We have won this stage, and now we have another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and it’s the right path; working together, we will continue to improve. France has faced challenges, and that will drive them, we expect it. We don’t need to be perfect, just effective, focused and ready for battle. We are excited and ready to hunt them.
John Mitchell, coach
