England's team captain Alex Matthews gears up for an exciting clash against France, anticipating a thrilling confrontation.
The Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals are set to heat up as England and France prepare to face off on Saturday at Ashton Gate, Bristol. This highly anticipated match is not just a battle of two formidable teams, but a physical and emotional contest that England's veteran number eight, Alex Matthews, finds particularly enticing.
England has been on a 16-Test winning streak against France, a streak that dates back to 2018. However, the Red Roses have had near misses against the French, with losses of 38-33 in 2023 and 43-42 in 2025. Despite their winning streak, England's forwards coach, Louis Deacon, has emphasised the need for the team to stay focused and not 'take the foot off'.
On the other side of the field, France's co-head coach, Gaelle Mignot, acknowledges the stats favour England, but believes France has the character to compete. France aims to 'throw a bit of sand in England's machine' in the semi-final, a strategy that could potentially disrupt the English team's rhythm.
France has faced disciplinary issues leading up to the match. Key forwards Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu have been banned for biting and a dangerous tackle respectively, while outhalf Lina Queyroi is out due to concussion. French players Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are injured and excluded from the squad, with no specific replacement players named in the sources.
England's starting lineup for the semi-final includes Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir; Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward; Zoe Aldcroft (capt), Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews. England's bench for the semi-final includes Lark Atkin-Davies, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland.
France's starting lineup for the semi-final includes Morgan Bourgeois, Nassira Konde, Gabrielle Vernier, Marine Menager (capt), Carla Arbez, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Yllana Brosseau, Agathe Gerin, Rose Bernadou, Hina Ikahehegi, Madoussou Fall Raclo, Charlotte Escudero, Lea Champon, Teani Feleu. France's bench for the semi-final includes Elisa Riffonneau, Annaele Deshayes, Assia Khalfaoui, Taina Maka, Seraphine Okemba, Alexandra Chambon, Lina Tuy, Kelly Arbez.
Kelly Arbez will start in place of Joanna Grisez for France with the number 14 jersey, as Grisez has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The match will be broadcast live on TG4 and BBC1.
Both teams are ready for a fierce battle, with England's Matthews considering these matches as the ones that players thrive off and work hard to play in. As the clock ticks closer to Saturday's match, the anticipation grows, promising a thrilling semi-final in the Women's Rugby World Cup.
