Red Roses power through to semis: Four takeaways from England v Scotland

England beat Scotland 40-8 in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final to book their place in a tenth successive semi-final at a Women’s Rugby World Cup and in doing so record an unbelievable 31 wins in succession.

In front of a sell-out crowd at Ashton Gate England put on a show despite the extremely damp conditions with teeming rain present for the majority of the match.

Despite England only slightly ahead for the match in terms of territory and possession, the score line speaks for itself with the Red Roses the dominant team throughout with four of their six tries being scored by forwards. Scotland managed the first points of the game with a Helen Nelson penalty and the final points after scoring a well-worked team try finished off by winger Rhona Lloyd.

Knockout

11 - 12

Final

6 - 44

SF1

15 - 16

SF2

17 - 29

QF1

24 - 28

QF2

30 - 24

QF3

28 - 29

QF4

Bok Women captain massive statement after defeat to Black Ferns

Bok Women captain massive statement after defeat to Black Ferns

Holly Aitchison or Zoe Harrison?
In Aitchison’s first start of the World Cup due to injury, the fly-half put her hand up for a semi-final start with an impressive all-around performance. She provided the assist for Abby Dow’s first try, kicked five conversions and showcased superb distribution skills throughout the match.

It’s also her kicking metres when clearing her lines which are particularly impressive, as well as her tactical kicking in behind to turn the opposition. The Sale Sharks-bound player also scored a try (which Harrison provided the assist for with a lovely inside pop pass), and always shows great variation in her all-court game.

Harrison has kicked an average of six conversions a game for the two previous matches she has played in this World Cup and pulled the strings well in a dominant performance against the USA in the tournament opener. She came on at 60 minutes for this match and also demonstrated good tactical awareness and execution.

Who head coach John Mitchell picks for the semi-final clash against France is anyone’s guess.

Kelsey Clifford- from super sub to try scoring sensation
Scoring her debut World Cup try against Samoa, Clifford came on for Hannah Botterman against Australia in Brighton last weekend and scored two tries. The prop managed to bag herself two more this afternoon before being removed for an HIA. She has five to her name so far this tournament, currently ranking above New Zealand’s Jorja Miller, Canada’s Alysha Corrirgan and France’s Joanna Grisez on four.

England have proved time and time again that their forward power and strength in depth is unrivalled and their forwards ability to get over the white wash through their dominant set piece and power in the carry is what allows them to continue competing at the highest level despite injuries.

England nail the 50-22 to perfection
There were three 50-22s in this match executed by England including two from scrum-halves Natasha Hunt and Lucy Packer, as well as winger Dow. This threat will no doubt make France worry with the skill becoming more and more commonplace in the game.

Whether France attempt to counter this by putting a minimum of two in the back field, we shall see, but it will mean Les Bleues’ back line will need to be constantly scanning and aware to the threat as this skill is becoming another attacking weapon for the Red Roses.

Scotland have the final say
Despite emotions at the final whistle, Scotland depart the tournament with their heads held high after making a Rugby World Cup quarter final for the first time since 2002, and stars being cemented including Emma Orr, Francesca McGhie and Evie Gallagher.

The final try came off a line break from McGhie who departs the tournament with six tries to her name, and was finished off by other winger Lloyd on the 80th minute.