England Overcomes France 35-17 to Reach World Cup Final

Ellie Kildunne's brilliance sends England to World Cup Final

England defeats France 35-17 in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final, with Ellie Kildunne's brilliant performance helps England reach the World Cup final, where they'll face Canada.

Kildunne stars as England down France to reach Women's Rugby World Cup final...

England's Ellie Kildunne shone bright in her return from concussion, scoring two brilliant individual tries as her team defeated France 35-17 in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final. Kildunne's pace delivered two of England's five tries, while Amy Cokayne, Abbie Ward, and Megan Jones also crossed the try line. Despite dominating the first half with 69% possession, 58% territory, and 86 carries to England's 26, France struggled to capitalize on their chances, scoring only one try in the 24th minute through Nassira Konde.

England is set to bid for its first World Cup title since 1966, not 2014. The English team hasn't won a World Cup since their historic victory on home soil in 1966. They've had some notable performances since then, including reaching the semifinals in 1990 and 2018.

Canada's impressive 34-19 win over New Zealand in the semi-final was a remarkable upset. This match marked the end of New Zealand's 11-year unbeaten run at the World Cup. However, Canada's world ranking in relation to England is unclear in the context of this specific World Cup competition.

England, unbeaten since an agonising 2022 World Cup final loss, were just 7-5 ahead at half-time after a try by full-back Kildunne was converted by Zoe Harrison before outside centre Nassira Konde went over for France.

Amy Cokayne added another try for England early in the second half before France wing Kelly Arbey's converted effort cut the Red Roses' lead to just two points at 14-12.

But Abbie Ward's try, again converted by Harrison, gave England a two-score advantage at 21-12 heading into the final quarter.

Kildunne then put the result beyond doubt 11 minutes from time with a blistering cross-field run from just inside the France half as she eluded several defenders on the way to a superb solo score.

A date with destiny 🤩

Saturday 27 September
16:00
📍 Allianz Stadium, London#RWC2025 | #CANvENG | #RWC2025Final pic.twitter.com/HY5wKNHTcG

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2025

Konde grabbed her second try of the match before centre Megan Jones scored England's fifth a minute from time.

Victory meant England extended their own world record to 32 consecutive wins, with this success their 17th win in a row over France, who have now lost all nine of their Women's World Cup semi-finals.

France kicked off without several key players, including co-captain Manae Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu due to suspension, and fly-half Lina Queyroi and wing Joanna Grisez due to injury. Despite these absences, France started strongly, but England's tried-and-tested driving maul proved effective in gaining territory. Ellie Kildunne opened the scoring with a dashing try in the fifth minute, capitalizing on a ruck turnover after a knock-on by France's Natasha Hunt went unpunished. England's prop Hannah Botterman played a key role in the attacking play, helping to set up Kildunne's try.

Ellie Kildunne scored a brilliant try for England in the fifth minute. She received the ball on the left wing and surged past Nassira Konde before selling a dummy to Kelly Arbey, allowing her to score near the posts. Zoe Harrison then converted the try, giving England a 7-0 lead.

France dominated territory and possession for much of the remainder of the first half, pinning England back in their 22. Their forwards applied intense pressure, and with England's cover defense committed, they were able to spin the ball wide to Nassira Konde, who scored a try in the 24th minute. However, Morgane Bourgeois missed the conversion, leaving the score 7-5 in England's favor.

France's pressure forced England into several uncharacteristic knock-ons, and they nearly scored a second try when Marine Menager broke clear only to throw a loose pass while being tackled by Jess Breach. Both teams had tries disallowed around halftime due to forward passes, highlighting the physicality and intensity of the match.

England's driving maul proved effective in the second half, with hooker Amy Cokayne scoring a try in the 46th minute. Zoe Harrison converted, giving England a 14-5 lead. However, France responded quickly with a try from Kelly Arbey on the left wing in the 52nd minute, which was converted by Carla Arbez, narrowing the gap to 14-12.

England regained their advantage when lock Abbie Ward powered over for a try just shy of the hour mark, following sustained phase play. Harrison converted the try, giving England a 21-12 lead and some breathing space. Ellie Kildunne then sealed the win with a brilliant individual try, and Megan Jones added a fifth try for England, wrapping up the 35-17 victory.

Match Highlights:

• Ellie Kildunne's Brilliance: The World Player of the Year scored two stunning tries, showcasing her exceptional speed and skill.

• England's Dominance: Despite France's strong start, England took control with their powerful mauls and precise passing.

• French Resilience: France fought hard, with Kelly Arbey and Nassira Konde scoring tries, but ultimately fell short.

What's Next:

England will face Canada in the final next Saturday at Twickenham, with a sold-out crowd of 82,000 expected. France, meanwhile, will play New Zealand in the Bronze final earlier that day.