Key events
England captain Zoe Aldcroft is back in the starting XV for the first time since the tournament opener against the USA. Holly Aitchinson replaces Zoe Harrison at fly-half, with Helena Rowland slotting in at full-back with Ellie Kildunne ruled out due to concussion. Another potentially big miss for the hosts is prop Hannah Botterman, who suffered back spasms against Australia and is replaced by Kelsey Clifford.
Pre-game reading:
Full time: France 18-13 Ireland
France survive an almighty scare in Exeter! Down to 14 players, they had to fend off a late Irish maul and lineout to scramble into the semi-finals. It’s a devastating near-miss for the underdogs, who didn’t even qualify for the last tournament but left everything out there in pursuit of a famous upset.
Team news
England: Rowland, Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach, Aitchison, Hunt; Clifford, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Gallingan, Aldcroft (c), Kabeya, Matthews.
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Carson, Bern, Ward, Feaunati, Packer, Harrison, Sing.
Scotland: Rollie, Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie, Nelson, Brebner-Holden; Bartlee, Skeldon, Belisle, Wassell, Bonar, Malcolm (c), Gallagher, Konkel.
Replacements: Martin, Wright, Poolman, Donaldson, McLachlan, Stewart, Mattinson, Wills.
Preamble
As the hosts and favourites for this World Cup, England have had to tread a careful path through the tournament. John Mitchell and his players know anything other than their name on the trophy is a failure, but need to slowly build up steam on the five-week journey to their required destination.
So far, the Red Roses have stuck to their task well, save for a brief early wobble against Australia. They topped Group A with three wins and 208 points scored, setting up this derby date against Scotland. Huge underdogs in Bristol today, Scotland haven’t beaten their neighbours since 1999 – but Ireland’s efforts against France will give them hope.
France have fought back from 13-0 down to lead 15-13, a reminder that nothing comes easy at a World Cup. If they can hold on, they’ll face today’s winners in the semi-finals. Just as in that game at Exeter, wet and windy weather could be a leveller at Ashton Gate. England’s expectations remain sky-high, but there is another job to do first.
