Holders England set for French test in semis
dublin — England’s women remained on course to defend their rugby World Cup title after an impressive 47-26 victory over the previously unbeaten United States on Thursday propelled them into the last four.
They will play an eye-catching France side, who thumped hosts Ireland 21-5, in next Tuesday’s semi-finals in Belfast with fourtime winners New Zealand playing the United States, who secured their place as best runners-up from the three pools.
Ireland’s exit extended the jinx which has seen no host in the eight editions land the trophy.
Emily Scarratt got the holders off to a dream start with an early try while two Marlie Packer touchdowns and a penalty try gave them their four-try bonus point after just 26 minutes.
Despite a late flurry of American tries in the second-half the English were already out of sight.
However, the Americans ensured they secured the bonus point for scoring four tries.
Canada’s hopes of progressing as best-placed runner-up evaporated earlier on Thursday when the 2014 finalists were thrashed 48-5 by New Zealand. England’s head coach Simon Middleton said it was great to make the last-four but the secondhalf performance was less pleasing to the eye than an outstanding effort in the first-half. “We are really pleased that we are now in a semifinal,” said Middleton. —