BRISTOL – England will play France in the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 2025 after the Red Roses beat Scotland 40-8 in Bristol on Sunday.
Story of the match
Scotland came into the game with the promise that they would give everything against the number-one ranked team in the world, and they duly delivered with a fast start to the game that delivered the first points in the form of a Helen Nelson penalty.
However, England weathered the storm and held firm to take a 26-3 lead into half-time, following a pair of tries from Kelsey Clifford and one each from Morwenna Talling and Abby Dow as England’s forward dominance began to show.
Scotland were equally stubborn in defence in the second half, but could not hold out completely as Amy Cokayne and Holly Aitchison both crossed for further England tries, but there will still cause for Scotland to smile, as they had the final say at Ashton Gate. A long, sweeping move took them deep into enemy territory, which allowed Rhona Lloyd to cross for the final try of the game in Bristol.
Mastercard player of the match
Morwenna Talling scored one of the six tries, but that was not her only contribution in the game. She set the tone as the driving force of a pack of forwards that had their opponents’ number and laid the ground work for victory.
Stat of the day
10 – England have now booked their place in a tenth consecutive Rugby World Cup semi-final. They are the only team in history to feature in the semi-finals of every Women’s Rugby Cup in history.
Next steps
England will place France in the semi-finals in Bristol on Saturday, 20 September, while for Scotland it is the end of the road. Fan favourites among the neutrals, the Scots leave Rugby World Cup 2025 with their heads held high.