England vs France: Ellie Kildunne returns in one of four changes to Red Roses' side for World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate
England vs France in Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals on Saturday at 3.30pm in Bristol; Red Roses seeking 32nd consecutive victory and place in seventh successive World Cup final
Last Updated: 18/09/25 3:33pm
England head coach John Mitchell has made four changes to his Red Roses side to play France in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
Full-back Ellie Kildunne and prop Hannah Botterman return to the starting XV after missing the quarter-final victory over Scotland, while fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward are promoted from the replacements.
With six tries in the tournament to date, Jess Breach remains an ever present on the wing with Megan Jones, the only other England player to start every game to date, named at outside centre.
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Abby Dow hit 50 England tries on the weekend and continues on the wing. Scrum-half Natasha Hunt and inside centre Tatyana Heard complete the backline.
Botterman's inclusion in the front row sees her link up with hooker Amy Cokayne and tighthead prop Maud Muir for the third time in the tournament.
Player-of-the-match against Scotland, Morwenna Talling packs down in the second row alongside Ward. Captain Zoe Aldcroft, Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews make up a familiar back row partnership.
England have won their last 18 matches against France dating back to 2018, but in their two most recent meetings on home soil they just held off mighty comebacks from their Six Nations rivals.
They narrowly won 43-42 early this year and 38-33 in 2023 but on both occasions they crumbled having built impressive leads.
Mitchell said: "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.
"We've earned this stage, and now we've got another chance to earn the right. 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."
Red Roses team to play France:
15 Ellie Kildunne; 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Jess Breach; 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward, 6 Zoe Aldcroft (captain), 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews.
Replacements: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland.
France team announced
The French team for the semi-final against England has been announced too.
Hina Ikahehegi, who's only had one start for France before, will replace suspended captain Manae Feleu in the second row.
Feleu was handed a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.
Winger Marine Menager will captain the side and Carla Arbez will play at flyhalf with Lina Queyro ruled out due to concussion.
French team to play Red Roses:
15 Morgan Bourgeois; 14 Joanna Grisez, 13 Nassira Konde, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 11 Marine Menager (captain); 10 Carla Arbez, 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus; 1 Yllana Brosseau, 2 Agathe Gerin, 3 Rose Bernadou, 4 Hina Ikahehegi, 5 Madoussou Fall Raclot, 6 Charlotte Escudero, 7 Lea Champon, 8 Teani Feleu.
Replacements: 16 Elisa Riffonneau, 17 Annaele Deshayes, 18 Assia Khalfaoui, 19 Taina Maka, 20 Seraphine Okemba, 21 Alexandra Chambon, 22 Lina Tuy, 23 Kelly Arbez.
