In a heart-stopping clash that will be remembered as one of the greatest in Women's Rugby World Cup history, England's Red Roses narrowly defeated France 21-19 in a semi-final thriller that delivered relentless tension until the final whistle.
A Battle of Nerve and Skill
The semi-final showdown lived up to its monumental billing, transforming into an epic arm-wrestle where every point came at a premium. England's victory was built on a foundation of sheer defensive grit and tactical discipline, overcoming a ferocious French side that refused to yield until the very last moment.
Key Moments That Decided the Contest
Zoe Harrison's boot proved decisive, with the fly-half contributing crucial points from the tee in a match where scoring opportunities were scarce and fiercely contested. The England defence faced wave after wave of French attacks in the final quarter, producing heroic goal-line stands that ultimately preserved their slender lead.
Veteran centre Emily Scarratt delivered a masterclass in leadership and game management, organising the defensive line and providing crucial territory gains with her tactical kicking. The forward pack, meanwhile, engaged in a brutal physical battle at the breakdown, slowly grinding down French resistance through superior set-piece execution.
The Final Hurdle Awaits
This hard-fought victory sets up a dream final against hosts New Zealand, creating a perfect storm of narrative and sporting excellence. The Black Ferns, who comfortably defeated Ireland in their semi-final, will present a formidable challenge on home soil.
England now must recover both physically and mentally from this draining encounter before facing what promises to be an electrifying atmosphere in the championship decider. The Red Roses will draw confidence from their unbeaten run throughout the tournament, but know that their toughest test still lies ahead.
This semi-final victory not only secures England's place in the final but cements this team's legacy as one of the most resilient and accomplished sides in women's rugby history. The nation now holds its breath ahead of what promises to be a spectacular World Cup conclusion.
