England women will defend their title against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final after overcoming France in their semi-final tonight in Belfast.
The Red Roses’ Emily Scarratt and Frances’ Shanon Izar exchanged penalties in a bruising, defence dominated first half, 3-3.
Scarratt edged England ahead with a second three-pointer before adding another two points after the player of the match Sarah Bern crashed over for the opening try on the hour, 13-3.
Meg Jones last gasp try then secured the win, dotting down between the posts with Scarratt converting.
More to follow.
England: Danielle Waterman (Bristol); Lydia Thompson (Worcester Valkyries), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies), Kay Wilson (Richmond); Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield); Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies), Amy Cokayne (Lichfield), Sarah Bern (Bristol), Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Alex Matthews (Richmond), Marlie Packer (Bristol), Sarah Hunter (Bristol, captain)
Replacements: Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens), Rochelle Clark (Worcester Valkyries), Justine Lucas (Lichfield), Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield), Izzy Noel-Smith (Bristol), La Toya Mason (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Amber Reed (Bristol), Megan Jones (Bristol)
France: Amedee; Guiglion, Ladagnous, Poublan, Izar; Drouin, Rivoalen; Deshayes, Mignot (capt), Duval, Corson, Forlani, Mayans, Annery, N’Diaye.
Replacements: Thomas, Arricastre, Carricaburu, André, Diallo, Le Pesq, Neisen, Pelle
Like this:
Like Loading...
