In a heart-stopping clash that lived up to its monumental billing, England's Red Roses saw their Rugby World Cup dream evaporate in the Parisian night, succumbing to a devastating 25-24 defeat against a relentless French side.
The semi-final was a brutal, physical affair from the first whistle, with both teams trading blows in a testament to Test match rugby. England's powerhouse prop, Hannah Botterman, was forced from the field in the first half with a serious-looking knee injury, a significant blow to the Red Roses' forward momentum.
Kildunne's Magic Moment
Despite the setback, a moment of individual genius from full-back Ellie Kildunne ignited English hopes. Intercepting a loose French pass inside her own 22, Kildunne embarked on a breathtaking 80-metre solo sprint, evading desperate tackles to score a try that will be replayed for years to come.
Her incredible effort, converted by Holly Aitchison, briefly swung the momentum, showcasing the lethal attacking threat that has defined her tournament.
French Resilience Seals the Win
However, the host nation, roared on by a fervent home crowd, displayed immense resilience. They methodically worked their way back into the game, capitalising on English penalties and eventually grinding out the narrowest of victories.
The final whistle sparked scenes of delirium amongst the French players and utter despair for an England squad that had entered the tournament as favourites. This loss marks a crushing end to their campaign, denying them a chance to contest a third consecutive World Cup final.
The Red Roses must now regroup for the third-place play-off, a consolation match that will feel like a distant consolation after the agony of this last-gasp defeat.
