RWC2025 | The world No.1 side were tested to their absolute limits but inspired by the returning full-back Ellie Kildunne, the Red Roses once again broke French hearts.

It is 32 wins in a row for England but they were made to work mighty hard for it by a France team that will be left rueing missed chances, particularly in the first-half, as they fell to a ninth successive RWC semi-final loss. 

Story of the match

After four comfortable victories, England found themselves in a huge battle in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate. Lightening in defence and off-loading wherever possible, France pressurised England from the first whistle but a single score from centre Nassira Konde was scant reward.

Instead, it was England who somehow snuck into the break 7-5 ahead. That they did was largely thanks to injury returnees Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman. The former showed exactly why she is the reigning women’s Player of the Year, making 149m, including a brilliant opening score. The full-back knows she owed plenty to Botterman for that fourth-minute try however, the prop’s soft hands illustrating her range of skills.

Three turnovers and three scrum penalties from Botterman helped keep England in it in the first 40 minutes. And for much of the second-half, it was a similar story. The Red Roses started sharply and after having one score scratched off for a forward pass, the famed rolling maul struck from just inside the 22m.

But still France came. Having battered away at England’s line, they shifted it wide and late replacement wing Kelly Arbey crossed to make it a two-point game with 27 minutes left.

With nerves jangling, England then showed why they are undisputed world No.1s. First local favourite Abbie Ward cheered the capacity crowd, finishing off a fine team move, and then Kildunne struck the decisive blow, weaving in from 40m-plus. 

There was still time for Konde to snatch a second, but England knew the job was done, with centre Meg Jones - another standout - putting the finishing gloss on in the final minute. 

Next up, the big one for the tournament hosts.