Stats behind Red Roses’ record-breaking run
Winning 31 international rugby matches in a row is not bad. Doing it to break your own world record – men’s and women’s rugby – is even better.
The BBC has gone deep into the streak, pulling out everything from tightest wins to the fact head coach John Mitchell has only ever known the sweet taste of success – check it out here.
Two more needed…
Record figures in France & South African ‘giant’ awakens
The weekend’s quarter-finals marked watershed moments for two powerhouses of the global game.
First up, a record 3.45 million people watched France’s devastating second-half comeback v Ireland – with 4.6 million tuned in by the nail-biting finale!
Expect a whole host more for the nation’s semi-final v England on Saturday, kick-off 15:30 BST – tickets available here.
But it wasn’t just the victors claiming the popular spoils, with South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin in no doubt that his side’s brave 46-17 loss to New Zealand signalled the Springbok Women’s arrival as a force to be feared – read all about it here.
Try of the tournament so far?
There have been some stunners already – and plenty more to come no doubt – but this effort from French flier Joanna Grisez in the epic Exeter win over Ireland will surely take some beating:
Here is some deep analysis of it…
Although even as we big up Grisez’s claim, we can’t help but think of this beauty from the Black Ferns the week before!
If you want to have a good time – and make your on call on the best score so far – head here.
Du Plessis gets unique goodbye
Being forced to leave a Rugby World Cup prematurely with injury is never anything but devastating, however, New Zealand did their very best to cheer Amy du Plessis up:
The back-three star has been replaced by former professional netball player Mererangi Paul – full story here.
De Goede headlines Fantasy Team of the Week… again
The goal-kicking forward Sophie de Goede has rightly been lauded throughout this Rugby World Cup and should Canada go on to win a maiden title, she will no doubt have a huge role to play. But in the meantime, the second-rower has to make do with being named in our Fantasy Team of the Week for the fourth time in succession.
Read all about the XV here, with All Black star Braxton Sorensen-McGee shining almost as bright as de Goede – a sign for the pair’s monumental-looking semi-final clash perhaps?
Dow crochets her way into referees’ hearts
Not content with simply scoring her 50th international try, and helping drive her team to a 31st consecutive win, Abby Dow has also been busy crocheting. Of course she has!
“One of the reasons I got into crocheting is because my love language is gift-giving and now I’m getting all these crochet gifts from the crowd, all the fans are giving me their love and I love it, it’s very cute,” Dow said after the quarter-final win over Scotland.
“What I love about crochet is that it’s not just making clothing, you can make all sorts of things with your imagination.”