England 'ready to hunt' France after reshuffle as gripping Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals loom
Published 19/09/2025 at 07:48 GMT+1
England face France in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate on Saturday. The Red Roses are seeking a 32nd consecutive victory with a win, which will take them into their seventh successive World Cup final. Les Bleues are hoping to end a run of 15 defeats on the bounce to England, with their last victory coming in the 2018 Six Nations.
Highlights: England and France progress to WRWC semi-finals
Video credit: TNT Sports
England head coach John Mitchell says his team are "ready to hunt" France when the two teams meet in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
Mitchell has rung the changes for the clash, with Zoe Harrison restored at fly-half, and full-back Ellie Kildunne and prop Hannah Botterman returning to the starting XV after sustaining injuries against Australia. Lock Abbie Ward has also been promoted from the replacements.
"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 semi-final," Mitchell said.
England, who are on a 31-match unbeaten streak, have not lost to France since 2018 and have won all four games between the two at World Cup tournaments.
"We've earned this stage, and now we've got another chance to earn the right," Mitchell added.
"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."
The Red Roses dominated Scotland 40-8 in the quarter-finals at Ashton Gate to put themselves one win away from reaching a seventh successive World Cup final.
Holly Aitchison had only played 19 minutes prior to the quarter-final, coming off the bench in the final 20 minutes against the Wallaroos in the group stage.
But she starred from beginning to end against Scotland and slotted home five conversions, assisted Abby Dow's try, and scored one of her own in a commanding performance from fly-half.
Yet her impressive performance was not enough to hold down the No. 10 slot as her former Saracens team-mate Harrison comes back into the starting XV.
France, meanwhile, were forced to come from 13-0 down against Ireland in their quarter-final, scoring 18 unanswered points in the second half to book a semi-final spot.
Co-head coach Gaelle Mignot said her side came close to exiting the tournament: "We came very close to a slip-up. That would’ve been hard to take."
Gabrielle Vernier added: "We’ve regrouped. We’re mentally strong and focused on one goal, this weekend’s match."
Mignot and David Ortiz have made four changes of their own for Saturday's clash.
Carla Abrez makes her second start of the tournament at fly-half, while Lina Queyroi drops out of the matchday 23 completely.
Hina Ikahehegi comes into the side to replace suspended co-captain Manae Feleu in the second row, No. 8 Teani Feleu shifts from the replacements into the starting side as Charlotte Escudero moves to the blindside, and Nassira Konde takes the No. 13 jersey as Marine Menager moves to the wing.
Les Bleues are hoping to end a run of 15 consecutive defeats to England.
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