In a heart-stopping semi-final clash that will be remembered as one of the greatest in women's rugby history, England's Red Roses emerged victorious against their fierce rivals France with a nail-biting 24-19 triumph in Auckland.
The match reached a fever pitch in the final minutes as France mounted a relentless assault on England's try line, but the English defence stood resolute, repelling wave after wave of French attacks to secure their place in the World Cup final.
Early Dominance and French Resilience
England stormed out of the gates, establishing early dominance with two converted tries that put them in a commanding position. However, France demonstrated characteristic resilience, fighting their way back into contention with a try from Marine Menager that narrowed the gap to just five points at halftime.
The second half evolved into a brutal war of attrition, with both teams exchanging penalties in a display of tactical kicking and defensive excellence that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Final Showdown
As the clock ticked into the red, France launched a desperate final offensive, camping themselves on England's try line for what seemed an eternity. The tension was palpable as the French side battered against England's defensive wall, but the Red Roses held firm in a breathtaking display of courage and determination.
England's victory sets up a dream final against hosts New Zealand, who secured their place by defeating Australia in the other semi-final. The stage is now set for a monumental clash between the world's top two ranked teams.
Road to the Final
This hard-fought victory continues England's remarkable unbeaten streak, extending their run to 18 consecutive Test victories. The Red Roses have demonstrated throughout the tournament why they are considered one of the most dominant forces in women's rugby.
The final promises to be an epic encounter as England seeks to claim the World Cup title on New Zealand soil, facing a Black Ferns side riding a wave of home support and determined to defend their turf.
