Ellie Kildunne shines as England storm into Rugby World Cup final

England booked their place in the Rugby World Cup final with a 35-17 semi-final win over France at Ashton Gate. The Red Roses trailed by just two points for much of the first half before star full-back Ellie Kildunne broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo try, slicing through four defenders to dive over the line.

Kildunne, the tournament's standout player and recipient of the World Rugby Player of the Year award last December, finished with a game-high 208 metres gained and 12 defenders beaten, earning her the player of the match award.

Her dynamic running and reliable fielding offered England a platform to extend their lead, while the team's renewed confidence was evident in their trademark celebrations, from Megan Jones's signature 'cold' fist pump to Hannah Botterman's three-finger salute marking her turnovers.

Despite some defensive lapses - France's quick offloads exposed gaps wide - England's experience shone through. Head coach John Mitchell will address those moments, along with sharpening the backline's fluidity ahead of next weekend's final at a sell-out Allianz Stadium.

England will face Canada, who stunned New Zealand in the other semi-final. The Red Roses, bidding for a seventh straight World Cup final, now aim to turn Kildunne's individual brilliance into a collective triumph for women's rugby on home soil.

Ellie Kildunne's match-winning display underlined her world-class status and gave England the momentum to challenge for the title in front of a record home crowd.

This article was reported by BBC Sport.

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