Fit-Again England Full-Back Kildunne Starts Against France in Semi-Final
Ellie Kildunne is set to ignite the pitch once more as she reclaims her position as the starting full-back for England in their highly anticipated Rugby World Cup semi-final clash against France. The electrifying encounter is scheduled for Saturday at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Her return marks a significant boost for the Red Roses.
Kildunne’s comeback follows a concussion sustained during England’s final pool-stage match against Australia two weeks prior. The layoff saw her miss the quarter-final victory over Scotland. Now, fully recovered and cleared by medical staff, the 26-year-old World Player of the Year nominee is eager to inject her trademark pace and attacking flair into England’s back three.
The match promises to be a captivating battle. It will be broadcast live on BBC One, Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring widespread coverage of this pivotal World Cup showdown.
Botterman Returns to Strengthen the Pack
Alongside Kildunne’s return, prop Hannah Botterman is back in the starting lineup at loose-head prop. Botterman has been a standout performer, demonstrating dominance in the loose play and at the breakdown. She replaces Kelsey Clifford, who delivered an impressive performance with two tries against Scotland in Botterman’s absence due to back spasms.
Harrison Takes the Fly-Half Reigns
Zoe Harrison’s strategic game management has earned her the nod at fly-half over Holly Aitchison. Aitchison showcased moments of brilliance against Scotland but struggled in the wet conditions. Harrison’s consistent form throughout this year’s Women’s Six Nations ultimately solidified her claim to the starting position, a role previously held by Aitchison.
Despite Aitchison’s reputation for precise kicking and control, the statistics speak volumes for Harrison’s impact. Since 2023, Harrison’s involvement in tries per 80 minutes is nearly double that of Aitchison. The numbers stand at 1.8 to 1.0, underlining her attacking prowess and ability to create scoring opportunities. Her experience starting in the 2022 World Cup final defeat by New Zealand further solidifies her position as a key player. This is especially true if England are to secure a place in this year’s final.
Ward Joins Talling in the Second Row
Abbie Ward’s impressive form earns her a promotion from the bench to partner Morwenna Talling in the second row. Talling’s player-of-the-match performance against Scotland has secured her place. This results in her getting the nod over Rosie Galligan.
England Face Toughest Test in Semifinal
The looming semi-final represents the Red Roses’ most formidable challenge yet. This is in a World Cup campaign where they have yet to be truly tested. While holders New Zealand and Canada prepare to battle it out in the other semi-final, England are focused on the task at hand.
The memory of their defeat by the Black Ferns in the last World Cup final still lingers. This serves as motivation for the team. It remains their only loss in the past 62 matches. This statistic stretches back to 2019 and highlights their remarkable consistency and dominance in the sport.
France, after a hard-fought quarter-final victory against Ireland, are the team who came closest to shattering England’s impressive 31-match winning streak. In a thrilling Six Nations Grand Slam finale earlier this year, France lost by a narrow margin, 43-42, foreshadowing the potential for a close contest.
However, history is on England’s side, boasting a commanding 16-game winning run against Les Bleues. Their last defeat against their cross-Channel rivals dates back to the 2018 Six Nations. The team understands winning won’t come easy.
John Mitchell has strategically rotated his squad throughout the tournament to cultivate depth. He now appears to have settled upon his strongest matchday 23. England, who last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2014, are determined to rewrite history after losing the past two finals to New Zealand. This promises to be a thrilling test for England’s Kildunne and the rest of the squad.
England Team:
Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews
Replacements:
Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland
