England have booked their place in the Rugby World Cup final with a thrilling victory over France, setting up a much-anticipated clash against Canada at Twickenham. While the scoreline suggested a comfortable win, the contest was far tighter, with France creating several chances that went unconverted. The difference on the day came from Ellie Kildunne, whose dazzling runs and two spectacular long-range tries proved decisive.
From the opening moments, Kildunne looked unplayable. Dancing past defenders with pace and flair, she provided England with the spark they desperately needed in a tense semi-final. Her first try came from a loose ruck ball near halfway, and after a surging 50-metre sprint, she dived gleefully under the posts. In the second half, she repeated the magic with another diagonal run from distance, lifting the crowd and restoring momentum when France threatened to take control.
Despite Kildunne’s brilliance, England were pushed to their limits. France dominated possession in the first half, forcing the Red Roses to make over 100 tackles before the break compared to just 28 from their opponents. Key players such as Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Madoussou Fall Raclot shone for France, while missed passes at crucial moments cost them potential tries that might have changed the outcome.
England’s strength lay in their resilience and depth. Their pack relished the physical battle, while replacements once again made a telling impact late on, providing fresh energy and reinforcing their advantage. Players like Hannah Botterman and Meg Jones also rose to the occasion, ensuring that England held firm under relentless pressure.
The victory sets up a blockbuster final against Canada, who stunned New Zealand with a dominant performance in their semi-final. Canada’s mix of power and pace has made them one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides, and England will need to find another level if they are to lift their first world title since 2014.
England enter the final as favourites, boasting an unbeaten run stretching back three years, but they know Canada will be their sternest test yet. If Kildunne can once again deliver her box office brilliance, the Red Roses will have every chance of claiming glory—but Canada’s form ensures this will be no easy waltz to the crown.
