🚨 Breaking: Unbeaten England Scrap to Victory Over France in Thrilling RWC Semifinals! Despite a valiant French display, England extends its winning streak to 32 with a hard-fought 23-17 win. England’s Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, scores a brace, but the Red Roses’ defensive resilience, led by Sadia Kabeya’s 21 tackles, proves decisive. England advances to the home RWC final against Canada, while France faces New Zealand for bronze.
England нетуfe 32 Streak: Red Roses Battle Past France to Reach RWC Final
In a bruising encounter that will keep them honest, England Women secured a hard-fought 22-17 victory over France, extending their Rugby World Cup win streak to an incredible 32 matches. The stage was set at a sold-out Ashton Gate, with Les Bleues determined to give the Red Roses a baptism of fire in their quest for a record-equalling third consecutive World Cup title.
Early Storm Warning
The omens weren’t great for England as France, inspired by their passionate fans, were quick out of the blocks. A mazy run from centre Nassira Konde put them ahead in the sixth minute, but the French would rue missed opportunities as the first half unfolded.
Did you know? France’s win percentage against England in World Cups has been a modest 14.28% (3 wins from 21 games). Today’s match was another missed chance to improve that statistic.
Ellie Kildunne’s Inspired Return
Post-interval, England reasserted their dominance thanks to the return of injured duo Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman. Kildunne, the reigning women’s Player of the Year, tore through France’s defenses like a hot knife through butter, scoring her side’s opening try in just four minutes. Botterman’s deft offloading from the shadows set up the score, demonstrating that the forwards are not just about grunt work.
Battle of Wills
Both sides traded blows in an enthralling second half. England extended their lead with a rolling maul try finished by lock Abbie Ward, only for France to respond through late replacement wing Kelly Arbey. As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable.
But England are the world’s number one team for a reason. Kildunne, on a weaving 40-meter run, put daylight between the sides once again.Centre Meg Jones, another standout performer, sealed the deal in the dying moments.
Coaches’ Corner
ultimately got their tactics right,” said England head coach John Mitchell. “We were a bit inaccurate in the first half, but we’ve got aMAzing heart and courage in this team.”
France coach David Ortiz echoed Mitchell’s sentiments, acknowledging his side’s effort but also recognizing England’s class: “We knew it would be tough. Their defence was very strong.”
Stat Attack
Defense indeed won England this semi-final. Openside flanker Sadia Kabeya led the tackle count with 21, cementing her status as the tournament’s leading tackler with 83 in total.
FAQs: What’s Next for Both Teams?
Q: Who do England face in the final?
A: England will meet free-flowing Canada in a mouth-watering clash of the world’s top two teams. The match takes place at the Allianz Stadium on November 12.
Q: What’s in store for France?
A: France must settle for a third-place playoff against dethroned defending champions New Zealand. This will be a fitting swansong for several Les Bleues stalwarts.
Pro Tip: How England Can Maintain Their Momentum
Clinical finishing. England squandered chances today. They’ll need to convert every opportunity in the final toEmphatically end their 32-match win streak.
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jamais 7+ wins in a row