England will face Canada in the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup after beating a spirited France 35-17 in Bristol on Saturday.

England was brilliant in defense, the breakdowns and set-pieces but a misfiring attack kept alive France hopes in the sold-out semifinal at Ashton Gate.

France had a lot of regrets. Despite forced changes after the quarterfinal win over Ireland, Les Bleues were all over England in the first half but weren’t clinical enough and somehow trailed at halftime 7-5.

The lead was still only 14-12 an hour in until the injection of new front-rowers gave England the power to blast through the French defense and get lock Abbie Ward over the line.

An opportunistic second try by fullback Ellie Kildunne for 28-12 with 10 minutes to go finally put England out of reach.

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