The China Mail - Kildunne strikes as England see off spirited France in World Cup semi-final

But the full-back, the current World Player of the Year, had to limp through the closing 11 minutes after England had cleared their bench.

England, into their seventh final in a row -- but beaten in five of the last six by New Zealand -- will now face Canada in next Saturday's final in front of an already sold-out Twickenham crowd of 82,000.

England will be bidding to win the World Cup for the first time since defeating Canada in the 2014 final in Paris.

Canada, second behind England in the world rankings, ended double-defending champions New Zealand's 11-year unbeaten run at the World Cup with a superb 34-19 win in Friday's first semi-final in Bristol.

England, unbeaten since an agonising 2022 World Cup final loss, were just 7-5 ahead at half-time after a try by full-back Kildunne was converted by Zoe Harrison before outside centre Nassira Konde went over for France.

Amy Cokayne added another try for England early in the second half before France wing Kelly Arbey's converted effort cut the Red Roses' lead to just two points at 14-12.

But Abbie Ward's try, again converted by Harrison, gave England a two score-advantage at 21-12 heading into the final quarter.

Kildunne then put the result beyond doubt 11 minutes from time with a blistering cross-field run from just inside the France half as she eluded several defenders on the way to a superb solo score.

Konde grabbed her second try of the match before centre Megan Jones scored England's fifth a minute from time.

Victory meant England extended their own world record to 32 consecutive wins, with this success their 17th win in a row over France, who have now lost all nine of their Women's World Cup semi-finals.

- Tried and tested driving maul -

Les Bleues kicked-off without the suspended pair of co-captain Manae Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu, and the injured duo of fly-half Lina Queyroi (concussion) and Joanna Grisez (thigh), with the wing having scored the decisive try in Les Bleues' thrilling 18-13 quarter-final win over Ireland.

Kildunne opened the scoring with a typically dashing try in the fifth minute.

England, with fit-again prop Hannah Botterman leading the way, won a ruck turnover as a knock-on by scrum-half Natasha Hunt unpunished.

The ball was worked out to the left where Kildunne surged past Konde before selling a huge dummy to Arbey, as she went closer to the posts to make the conversion easier for fly-half Harrison.

But France then dominated territory and possession for the remainder of the first half as England struggled to get out of their 22.

France's forwards laid siege to England's line, and with the cover defence sucked in, they spun the ball wide to Konde for a 24th-minute try that Morgane Bourgeois couldn't convert.

France harried England into several uncharacteristic knock-ons and almost had a second try when captain Marine Menager broke clear, only to throw a loose pass while being tackled by Jess Breach.

Both France and England had tries disallowed either side of half-time for forward passes.

But England, relying on their tried and tested driving maul, saw hooker Cokayne pushed over for a 46th-minute try.

Harrison converted and England led 14-5 but France responded through a 52nd minute try out wide on the left from Arbey, before full-back Bourgeois landed a tough conversion.

But England, with coach John Mitchell ringing the changes, pulled further clear when sustained phase play ended with lock Abbie Ward powering over for a try just shy of the hour mark.

Harrison converted and England had breathing space at 21-12.

Kildunne's individual brilliance put the result beyond doubt before Jones wrapped up victory.

Y.Parker--ThChM