WRWC 2017: Semi-Final Predictions

WRWC 2017: Semi-Final Predictions

New Zealand v USA - Kingspan Stadium, KO: 5pm - eir Sport 2/Sky Sport NZ/NBC 

The United States have been one of the most exciting teams of the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup. They possess a team boasting with international 7's experience which has made them devastating with ball in hand. The back-three comprises of Cheta Emba, Kristen Thomas and Naya Tapper, who have consistently threatened opposing defences with their wide range of power, speed and natural finishing ability.

Two victories against Italy & Spain set up a heavyweight encounter against tournament favourites England in their final Pool B fixture. The Red Roses ran out 21-point victors as the power of the England pack overcame their American counterparts. The USA won on their last appearance in a World Cup semi-final in 1998 and will be hoping that history repeats itself at the Kingspan tomorrow.

New Zealand eased through Pool A beating Wales, Hong Kong and Canada with scores of 44-12, 121-0 and 48-5 respectively - scoring 35 tries in the process, ending with a favourable points differential of +196 points. Portia Woodman has been a stand-out for the Kiwis, most notably scoring 8 tries against Hong Kong in an 121-0 annihilation.

The Ferns were completely dominant in their final Pool A fixture against No. 4 seed Canada, running in 8 tries despite playing with 14 players for a quarter of the game after Aldora Itunu & Eloise Blackwell spent time in the sin-bin.

Prediction:

New Zealand can play with and without structure thanks to the calibre of their handling skills, game management and appreciation of space on the pitch. They lead the tournament in Points (213) & Tries (35) scored after three rounds and enter this World Cup semi-final in a full-flow of brimming confidence.

New Zealand's impressive line speed in defence will stifle the potent threat of the American back-line. A series of uncharacteristic handling errors against Italy cost them dearly as a lack of cohesion played a part in failing to put the game to bed leading to a nervy finish against a much-weaker opponent.

The Ferns have won the World Cup four times and are currently ranked No. 1 in the World. The USA possess a whole host of outstanding athletes in the squad but a collective lack of game time in the XV-a-side code is bound to be exposed against such a well-drilled machine. Black Ferns by 25+ points with a customary try from Portia Woodman. 



England v France - Kingspan Stadium, KO: 7:45pm - eir Sport 1, ITV 4

Pre-tournament favourites England enter the semi final's following three bonus-point victories over USA, Spain & Italy in Pool B. Despite those victories, England have been overtaken at the summit of the World Rankings by the Black Ferns which will provide Simon Middleton's charges with extra motivation for this clash against the French.

After rotating their line-up throughout the pool stages, England have selected their strongest XV, a game that will see Captain and No.8 Sarah Hunter win her 96th cap. England have scored 27 tries, 159 points and made 2034 metres as a team after three games in the tournament but will need to improve defensively after conceding 7 tries in the group stages to France & New Zealand's three.

In the Six Nations, England beat France 26-13, having trailed 13-0 at half-time, but they are expecting to meet a different French side on Tuesday night in Belfast.

France have looked very sharp so far, playing with an infectious fluidity throughout to their game. Armed with a strong scrum and accurate line-out, Les Bleus play with flair and the ability to counter attack from anywhere on the pitch led by their 21-year old full-back Montserrat Amedee. Against Ireland in their final Pool game, a tenacious French defence kept Ireland scoreless until the 79th minute after some heroic defending inside their 22.

The injury to Romane Menager is a massive blow for France after an impressive campaign. This will put extra pressure on the tournament stand-out, French No. 8 Safi N' Diaye, who leads the tournament in offloads and is capable of producing moments of magic from anywhere on the pitch.

Prediction: The defending champions will rely heavily on the goal-kicking ability of Emily Scarratt following her impressive showing off the tee against USA. This is the 7th time France have reached the semi-finals in 8 Women’s World Cups but they have never made it to the final.

England's professional approach to the 15's set-up is their greatest advantage, one that has seen them with increased preparation for the World Cup as France's XV's players are amateurs. We expect the game to be tight at half-time before England pull away and secure the mouth-watering final against the Black Ferns. England to win by 5+.

 




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