With the pool stage and quarterfinals already in the books, England and France are now one match away from securing their spot in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
This weekend’s semifinal clashes will see heavy favourites the Red Roses look to fend off a strong France side who will be eager to cause an upset. The winner will play either Canada or New Zealand, who are in the other semifinal this weekend.
Unlike the other semifinal, England and France know each other well: They face each other every year in the Women’s Six Nations — England won 43-42 when they met in April — and they even faced in their final warm up game before this tournament, although that ended in a much more convincing 40-6 England victory.
Here is everything to know ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Key details and kick-off time
When: Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3.30 p.m. BST (12.30 a.m. AEST)
Where: Ashton Gate, Bristol
How to watch on TV in the UK, Ireland and Australia
All 32 games of the Women’s Rugby World Cup will be broadcast free-to-air on BBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK. In Australia, the tournament will be broadcast on 9Now, and in Ireland it will be available on RTE Player.
ESPN will also have extensive news, feature and match coverage. You can follow along here.
Team news and starting XVs
Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman will return from injury after both suffered injuries in the final pool match against Australia.
Fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward also return to the starting side having coming off the bench in last week’s quarterfinal demolition of Scotland.
Kildunne was taken off with a concussion against the Wallaroos — which automatically ruled her out for 12 days — while Botterman suffered a back spasm.
“Ashton Gate set the stage for a strong performance in tough conditions last weekend, and the girls are eager to get back out there for the semifinal,” coach John Mitchell said.
“We’ve earned this stage, and now we’ve got another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and is the right way; by working together we’ll keep getting better.
“France have faced challenges, and that will drive them, we expect it. We don’t need to be perfect, just effective, focused, and ready for the fight. We’re excited and ready to hunt them.”
