Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: England 'very confident' ahead of big France semi-final after outmuscling Scotland

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Player of the match Morwenna Talling cut a confident figure ahead of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against France. The Red Roses took one step closer to a dream home World Cup win with a dominant 40-8 win over Scotland in the quarter-finals. Up next for England awaits the challenge of France, who recovered from a slow start to edge out Ireland.

Zainab Alema and Morwenna Talling of England pose for a photo with the player of the match award during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Quarter Final match between England and Scotland at Ashton Gate on September 14, 2025 in Bristol, England

Image credit: Getty Images

Morwenna Talling admitted England will be "very confident" going into their Women’s Rugby World Cup last-four clash against France after clinically dispatching Scotland 40-8 in the quarter-finals.

The Red Roses dealt with the tricky conditions at Ashton Gate by far the better of the two sides to continue their dominance over their northern neighbours.

It was not a game for free-flowing, expansive rugby, but England proved too strong up front to outmuscle and outsmart Scotland and move one step closer to a dream World Cup triumph at home.

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At the heart of it all was Talling. The lock was a constant threat and was rewarded with an opportunistic first-half try in a player-of-the-match display.

"It's always massive to play your best," she told BBC Sport. "For me, that's what this tournament's about.

"And I think the competition only drives each of us to get better, and in training it helps us every day, and then to put on that performance in the match is great."

The challenges keep on coming. Next up for John Mitchell’s side is a tantalising clash with France, who recovered from 13-0 down to beat Ireland in their quarter-final.

The last time the two sides met in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, England edged an absolute thriller 43-42.

But after the manner of their respective quarter-final wins, England will undoubtedly head into the contest as favourites.

"After today [we are] very confident. I think just put our heads back down, go into the next week and keep pushing hard in training," Talling added.

"We'll come at it next weekend."

There were question marks over England ahead of the quarter-final and it was Scotland who started brightly in Bristol.

Helen Nelson nudged over a penalty in the fourth minute for an early lead as Bryan Easson’s side enjoyed success in the opening exchanges.

However, the momentum swung shortly after the 10-minute mark as Scotland’s set-piece fell to bits.

Coughing up turnovers and territory so cheaply put England in the ascendancy, and they made it count.

Kelsey Clifford bagged herself a first-half brace, while Abby Dow also dotted down before the break for her 50th England try.

Amy Cokayne and Holly Aitchison both scored in the second period to extinguish any lingering hope for the Scotland, who have not won this fixture since 1998.

It was a 31st consecutive Test win for England. If they can make it to 33 they will lift the trophy for a third time.

After returning to the starting XV following an injury, Zoe Aldcorft agreed the performance against Scotland was a "step up" from the group phase.

"I'd much rather be on the pitch with the girls, but it's been a joy to watch them as well," Aldcroft said. "And there have been some awesome performances from all the girls.

"And I think we're just excited to get into this week and to prepare as well as we can to put us in the best place to play against France on the weekend."

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