What Should You Know About England's Semi-Final Showdown with France in the Women's Rugby World Cup?

The Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final sees England facing France on 20 September 2023 at Ashton Gate, Bristol. England, currently the world number one and tournament hosts, are favoured to win, having dominated their recent encounters with France. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Last updated: 20 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• England's impressive record against France includes 16 consecutive victories.
• The Red Roses scored 248 points in the tournament, while conceding only 25.
• France has never reached a Women’s Rugby World Cup final, losing all eight of their semi-finals.
• England's last defeat to France occurred in 2018; their recent match ended in a 40-6 victory for England.
• Key players to watch include England's Jess Breach and France's Joanna Grisez.

Match Overview

On Saturday, 20 September, England will take on France in a much-anticipated Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final. The match kicks off at 15:30 BST at Ashton Gate, Bristol, and will be broadcast live on BBC One. England enters as the clear favourite, boasting a remarkable winning streak and a strong performance in the tournament so far.

England’s Recent Form

The Red Roses have been in formidable form throughout the tournament, winning all their matches convincingly. They secured their semi-final spot with a dominant 40-8 victory over Scotland in the quarter-finals, extending their world record winning run to 31 matches. England has shown exceptional attacking prowess, scoring an impressive 248 points while conceding just 25.

France: The Underdogs

France, on the other hand, has faced a more challenging path to the semi-finals. They managed to edge past Ireland with an 18-13 victory in the quarter-finals. Despite their struggles, France enters this match with determination, viewing themselves as underdogs. Their co-head coach, Gaelle Mignot, has emphasised their readiness to challenge England and showcase their capabilities.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, England has dominated the fixture against France, winning 43 out of 57 Tests since their first meeting in 1991. The English side's recent record includes 16 consecutive victories, with their last loss to France dating back to 2018. Notably, England's last match against France ended in a resounding 40-6 win, further solidifying their status as favourites.

Key Players to Watch

In this high-stakes encounter, individual performances will be crucial. For England, wing Jess Breach stands out as the top try-scorer of the tournament, with six tries to her name. Meanwhile, France will rely on players like Joanna Grisez and Emilie Boulard, who have made significant contributions to their team's attacking efforts.

Team News and Changes

Both teams have made strategic changes ahead of the match. England welcomes back world player of the year Ellie Kildunne from concussion, while prop Hannah Botterman returns from injury. Other notable inclusions are fly-half Zoe Harrison and second-row Abbie Ward, who both previously sat on the bench during the quarter-final.

France has also seen changes in their lineup due to suspensions. Key players Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu will miss the match, prompting adjustments in the pack. Captain Marine Menager will shift positions to adapt to the new team dynamics.

Match Conditions and What to Expect

With both teams keen to secure a place in the final, the match is expected to be fiercely contested. England will aim to utilise their physicality and depth in experience, while France will look to disrupt England’s flow and make the most of counter-attacking opportunities. The atmosphere at Ashton Gate is likely to be electric, with supporters eager to witness this pivotal clash.

What Happens Next?

The winner of the semi-final will advance to face either defending champions New Zealand or Canada in the final at Twickenham Stadium on 27 September. The final promises to be another thrilling encounter, regardless of the teams participating. England's strong form puts them in a favourable position, but as history shows, anything can happen in knockout rugby.

FAQs

When is the England vs France semi-final match?

The England vs France semi-final match is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September 2023, at 15:30 BST.

Where can I watch the match live?

You can watch the match live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.

What is England's current winning streak?

England is currently on a world record winning streak of 31 matches, which they aim to extend in this semi-final.

How many semi-finals has France played in the Women's Rugby World Cup?

France has played in eight semi-finals but has never reached a final in the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Who are the key players to watch in this match?

Key players include England's Jess Breach, the tournament's top try-scorer, and France's Joanna Grisez and Emilie Boulard, who have been vital to their team’s performance.

As the match approaches, fans are left wondering whether England can maintain their dominance or if France can pull off a surprise upset. Will the Red Roses continue their winning streak, or will the underdogs rise to the occasion? #WomensRugby #RugbyWorldCup #EnglandVsFrance