Kildunne Leads England’s Stunning World Cup Warm-Up vs France
Women’s Rugby World Cup Build-Up Heats Up Against France
World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne headlines a near full-strength England squad as they face France in their final Women’s Rugby World Cup warm-up this Saturday. The match at Stade Guy Boniface, kicking off at 20:10 BST, will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with live text commentary and radio updates available for fans.
Kildunne, who missed England’s thrilling 43-42 Six Nations victory over France in April due to a leg injury, returns to the starting lineup, boosting England’s already formidable backline. Her explosive form in 2024—scoring 14 tries in nine Tests and securing the title of world’s best 15s player—has made her a standout figure ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
England’s Strong Selection Signals Intent
Head coach John Mitchell has named a formidable side for this crucial encounter, with 11 changes from last weekend’s 97-7 demolition of Spain. The reshuffle sees Abby Dow return on the wing, while the front row features Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir. Captain Zoe Aldcroft leads the pack from blind-side flanker, supported by Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews in a dynamic back row.
Fly-half Zoe Harrison retains her spot after her commanding performance against Spain, reinforcing England’s attacking flair.
Mitchell emphasized the importance of focus and preparation over the unbeaten streak, which now stands at an impressive 26 games.
Ellie [Kildunne] and the rest of the squad are laser-focused, Mitchell said. Our philosophy is simple: control what’s in front of you. The scoreboard isn’t the priority—performance and growth are. We’ll take lessons from this match to sharpen our Rugby World Cup preparations.
Rising Star Kildunne Ready for the Spotlight
At just 25, Kildunne has emerged as one of the brightest talents in women’s rugby. Her electrifying pace, vision, and finishing ability have made her a nightmare for defenses, and her leadership on the field will be vital for England’s Rugby World Cup ambitions.
Mitchell expressed confidence in her ability to handle the pressure, noting:
Ellie thrives under scrutiny. She’s mature beyond her years and embodies our team’s mentality—staying present, staying focused.
Injury Concerns Linger Ahead of World Cup
While England’s squad is near full strength, some key players remain sidelined. Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and back Holly Aitchison, both potential starters, continue rehabbing injuries. Veteran center Emily Scarratt, who is set for her fifth Rugby World Cup appearance, remains unavailable as she recovers from a head injury.
Despite these setbacks, England’s depth and versatility ensure they remain one of the tournament favorites.
The Road to the Rugby World Cup
England’s World Cup campaign officially begins on Friday, August 22, against the United States. However, this clash with France serves as the ultimate test of their readiness. With both teams known for their physicality and tactical intelligence, the match promises to be a thrilling preview of what’s to come in the global showdown.
France, always a fierce competitor, will look to disrupt England’s rhythm and expose any weaknesses before the tournament kicks off. For Mitchell’s side, it’s a golden opportunity to fine-tune strategies and build momentum.
Conclusion: A Statement Performance on the Horizon
As England take the field in their final warm-up, all eyes will be on Ellie Kildunne and her teammates. A strong showing against France would send a powerful message to their Rugby World Cup rivals, reinforcing their status as the team to beat.
With world-class talent, tactical discipline, and an unbeaten streak to defend, England’s pursuit of World Cup glory starts now. Whatever the result this Saturday, the lessons learned will be invaluable as they prepare for the biggest stage in women’s rugby.
Related Topics: Rugby Union, Women’s Rugby, Rugby World Cup 2024
