England thrashed Scotland 40-8 for a place in the semi-final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup as they outclassed their Six Nations rivals to break their own record winning streak
The Red Roses remain favourites to triumph on home soil and will now face old foes France in the last four after a professional performance in the torrential rain at Ashton Gate.
A clunky first half against Australia in the final group game and a few injury concerns had given head coach John Mitchell some things to fret about ahead of this quarter-final but England stepped it up a gear to get their attack clicking as Kelsey Clifford powered over for two tries, while Morwenna Talling, Abby Dow, Amy Cokayne and Holly Aitchison also got one apiece.
Scotland ended a promising tournament with a late try but were never in the same league as their hosts and face an uncertain future as coach Bryan Easson’s impending departure will raise questions for a tight-knit group.
Relive the action from Ashton Gate with our live blog below:
England vs Scotland live
- England thrash Scotland 40-8 in the World Cup quarter-finals
- REPORT: Record-breaking England crush Scotland to power into World Cup semi-finals
- England will face France in the semi-finals
- 66' - TRY! Aitchison takes an inside pass and crashes over (ENG 40-3 SCO)
- 46' - TRY! Cokayne goes over from a driving maul (ENG 33-3 SCO)
- 40' - TRY! Clifford barrels across for her second try (ENG 26-3 SCO)
- 31' - TRY! Dow strolls in after long Aitchison pass (ENG 19-3 SCO)
- 16' - TRY! Talling drives over for the try from a spilled Scotland lineout (ENG 14-3 SCO)
- 13' - TRY! Clifford smashes her way over the line (ENG 7-3 SCO)
Record-breaking England crush Scotland to power into World Cup semi-finals
18:09 , Luke BakerThe ultimate prize remains theirs to seek over the next fortnight but, by one metric, this record-setting England team is already the finest in Test history.
Surpassing their own peerless 30-match unbeaten run will mean little to the Red Roses if the Women’s World Cup crown they so covet is not procured at Twickenham on 27 September but this win was nonetheless significant in taking them a step closer to that goal.
Win 31 of a run that began at the start of 2023 in the wake of the last World Cup final will not necessarily live long in the memory, an overmatched Scotland crushed in familiar fashion in truly wretched conditions in Bristol.
Indeed, head coach John Mitchell might even have made more of the misfortune that so nearly befell waiting semi-final foes France against Ireland – Les Bleues just about remain afloat amidst a storm in Exeter but were briefly in very dangerous water indeed, but will have to be 20,000 leagues smarter and superior to rise to the level of the apex predator of the European game.
Record-breaking England crush Scotland to power into World Cup semi-finals
England set up France semi-final
18:08 , Luke BakerNext Saturday afternoon, 3.30pm, England v France in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Book it.
France. England.
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 14, 2025
For a chance at history.
For a place in the #RWC2025 final. pic.twitter.com/XIwd3QlsXJ
FULL-TIME! England 40-8 Scotland
17:57 , Luke BakerAnd it’s all over! In the torrential Bristol rain, England show their class to dispatch Scotland and reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The Red Roses have broken their own record win streak with a 31st straight victory and Six Nations rivals France await in the last four. The big challenges are still to come
TRY! England 40-8 Scotland (Rhona Lloyd, 80 mins)
17:57 , Luke BakerAnd Scotland have their moment! They get the ball up the field with a breakaway, keeping working the phases and are into the 22.
It’s spilled but backwards and Scotland are still alive. Ball popped to Rhona Lloyd and it’s just desperation that gets her over the line as she barrels through a couple of tacklers.
Tears from her and her teammates. Lovely moment.
England 40-3 Scotland, 79 mins
17:53 , Luke BakerEngland hunting a final flourish but Dow knocks the ball on as she bursts down the right flank into the 22. Final knockings here
England 40-3 Scotland, 76 mins
17:49 , Luke BakerGood run by Nelson, into the 22, handing off one defender before carrying tacklers with her. But the ball is knocked on. That’s the story of Scotland’s day, really.
An England scrum as the time ticks away in this quarter-final. And they win a penalty off it
England 40-3 Scotland, 72 mins
17:45 , Luke BakerScotland slowly build an attack and then win a lineout on the England 22. But again, the set-piece lets them down.
It’s overthrown, hits the deck and England can clear. Will Scotland manage to get themselves a try before this one is over?
England 40-3 Scotland, 68 mins
17:39 , Luke BakerAnother 50-22 as Packer drills a mesmerising kick perfectly into touch. The kicking from hand by England has been exquisite.
The lineout is made a mess of though and Scotland survive.
TRY! England 40-3 Scotland (Holly Aitchison, 66 mins)
17:36 , Luke BakerEngland keep it tight and bash a couple of carries up the middle. They then flick the ball left, Holly Aitchison takes an inside pass from Harrison and crashes between tacklers for the score. Beautifully worked.
Aitchison converts her own try for good measure
England 33-3 Scotland, 64 mins
17:35 , Luke BakerWell, you don’t see that every day. Two balls on the field! As England take the lineout, a member of the crowd throws another ball on to the pitch. That’s unfortunate.
Play stopped, five-metre scrum to England.
England 33-3 Scotland, 62 mins
17:33 , Luke BakerThe England driving maul rolls once more and Packer tries to dart off the back of it but Scotland do hold firm.
Penalty advantage again for England so Aitchison lofts a cross-field kick but it’s too long and into touch. Surely a card soon for Scotland?
Regardless, England back to the corner...
England 33-3 Scotland, 59 mins
17:28 , Luke BakerEngland knocking on the door again but just as it opens, they trip up the step. That analogy might not quite work, apologies... I need to get myself in knockout rugby form.
What I’m trying to say is that England have the tryline at their mercy, five metres out but the final pass is knocked on and Scotland have the scrum.
NO TRY! England 33-3 Scotland, 57 mins
17:26 , Luke BakerEngland think they’ve scored as they attack again, the kick goes through and Jones dives on it in the in-goal area.
But Orr has juuuuust beaten her to it, so it’s a goal-line dropout. Fantastic scrambling defence from the Scotland centre.
'Scotland dismantled at the set piece and on the gain-line'
17:22 , Luke BakerOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Ashton Gate and concurs that the game is drifting slightly.
“Ellie Kildunne and Lilli Ives Campion are England's appointed percussionists today, those not involved in the matchday squad having taken on the role of literally drumming up support during the tournament.
“The crowd are just starting to drift a bit with a slightly bitty game unfolding in improving conditions that are still nonetheless nasty – and it really hasn't been that much of a contest, in truth, with Scotland dismantled at the set piece and on the gainline."
England 33-3 Scotland, 54 mins
17:21 , Luke BakerThings have got a bit slow and scrappy over the past few minutes - a couple of reset scrums not helping things.
Scotland surge into the England half. Can they do anything here? Smothering defence from England and the chance dissipates.
England 33-3 Scotland, 50 mins
17:16 , Luke BakerScotland with a great attacking opportunity, in the England 22 and going through the phases. It would be lovely if they could score a try.
But they lose the ball, England advantage and the hosts clear.
England 33-3 Scotland, 48 mins
17:14 , Luke BakerA big moment. Jade Konkel, the Scotland stalwart No 8, is subbed off and as she’ll be retiring from international rugby after the tournament, this is likely her final game.
Tears on the sideline as a great servant to the game hangs them up.
TRY! England 33-3 Scotland (Amy Cokayne, 46 mins)
17:11 , Luke BakerEngland get the driving maul rumbling again from the lineout and you’re not stopping that.
Amy Cokayne steering from the back, gets over the line and touches down for try number five. Easy conversion and England rolling here.
England 26-3 Scotland, 45 mins
17:10 , Luke BakerHow have England not scored there? The scrum steamrollers Scotland and marches them backwards towards the line.
It seems like all Matthews has to do is pick the ball up and touch down for the try but she knocks on in the process! They’ve got another penalty though and this time they kick to the corner.
Kelsey Clifford off for a HIA with Mackenzie Carson on.
England 26-3 Scotland, 44 mins
17:08 , Luke BakerEngland win a penalty at the scrum and they opt for the scrum again, five metres out. Turning the screw here...
England 26-3 Scotland, 43 mins
17:07 , Luke BakerA good spell of possession to start the half from Scotland but England hold strong and then win the territory battle.
Dow charges down a clearance kick and collects the loose ball. She hares into the 22 but is brought down by a scrambling defence 10 metres out. Knock-on from Scotland trying to turn over so it’s a home scrum
KICK-OFF! England 26-3 Scotland
17:05 , Luke BakerBack underway in Bristol. Will Scotland mount some resistance in this second half?
The rain is still absolutely pelting it down by the way
HALF-TIME! England 26-3 Scotland
16:50 , Luke BakerAn impressive first half from England and their forwards in particular have taken control of this game.
Two tries for Kelsey Clifford the highlight and heavy favourites England have one foot and four toes in the semi-finals now
TRY! England 26-3 Scotland (Kelsey Clifford, 40 mins)
16:49 , Luke BakerEngland go wide again and although the ball hits the floor, Breach keeps it alive and goes back inside to the supporting Jones.
A couple of phases later and Kelsey Clifford has her second try as she bashes over the line once again. She’s potent from close range and the conversion is added.
England 19-3 Scotland, 39 mins
16:46 , Luke BakerThis lineout is better, safely secured but good maul defence by Scotland.
England go wide but lose the ball in contact and Scotland hack clear. But we’re back for the scrum as it was a double knock-on so England can pressure the Scottish pack once more
England 19-3 Scotland, 38 mins
16:45 , Luke BakerThe set-piece is a huge advantage for England here. They obliterate the Scottish scrum, win the penalty and kick to the corner...
England 19-3 Scotland, 37 mins
16:44 , Luke BakerWow! Sublime kick by Dow as she pumps a huge 50-22 over Scotland heads and into touch. England will have the lineout in the Scottish 22. This could be trouble...
A rare error! Cokayne’s throw is errant, hits the deck and the visitors will have the scrum in their own 22.
England 19-3 Scotland, 34 mins
16:42 , Luke BakerAgain, England pilfer a Scottish lineout on halfway - that’s been a constant issue for the visitors. Jones grubbers through but Rollie collects well and enables her side to exit.
And Scotland then win a penalty as England go off their feet. A decent attacking platform in opposition territory upcoming
TRY! England 19-3 Scotland (Abby Dow, 31 mins)
16:40 , Luke BakerNot for long though. Aitchison decides to spin the ball wide and Abby Dow has the freedom of Bristol on the right wing to stroll over the line and touch down.
That’s her 50th England try. Superb. Aitchison tries to add the conversion from near the touchline but it drifts just wide of the right upright. England in complete control now.
England 14-3 Scotland, 30 mins
16:38 , Luke BakerGreat arcing run by Aldcroft as she rumbles between defenders. England are close to the Scottish line now.
Talling dives for it but millimetres short...
'Talling the standout on a horrific day'
16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateHere’s the early thoughts of our Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton Gate.
“It remains an absolutely horrific day here in Bristol, the rain tumbling down with almost malicious intent.
“England began with impressive ambition, Holly Aitchison given licence to spread to width early and often with both hand and boot – but the Red Roses have looked at their best so far when thundering around the corner, with their tight five all carrying strongly and Morwenna Talling a particular standout."
NO TRY! England 14-3 Scotland, 27 mins
16:34 , Luke BakerErrr, yes - exactly that. This maul is such a weapon. England go to the front, Scotland can’t get their maul defence sorted and the hosts walk over the line, with Amy Cokayne dotting down at the back.
Hold on, we’ve got a TMO check for obstruction... And yep, it’s given. Try ruled out. That feels uber-pinickity to be honest.
England 14-3 Scotland, 25 mins
16:31 , Luke BakerThe handling isn’t great by England, with the ball hitting the deck but it doesn’t go forward. They then win the offside penalty and kick to the corner.
Unstoppable driving maul time?
England 14-3 Scotland, 23 mins
16:29 , Luke BakerWow! What a scrum by England as they splinter the Scotland pack and drive them backwards.
Hunt with a really clever box-kick, over the head of Rollie and into touch for the 50-22. Not great positioning by the Scot but a wonderful kick.
But Scotland survive as the ball is knocked on in the slick conditions just after Jones drives her side to within 10 metres of the line.
England 14-3 Scotland, 20 mins
16:24 , Luke BakerScotland win the territory battle and have a good base in the England half. It’s scrappy and England look to spoil but Scotland win the attacking scrum.
England have looked lively in defence so far, so there’s no guaranteed that this will lead to anything. They try a grubber kick through but Hunt is calm in retreat and dots the ball down behind her own line for the goal-line dropout.
TRY! England 14-3 Scotland (Morwenna Talling, 16 mins)
16:20 , Luke BakerAnd it is productive! Scotland spill the lineout and Galligan is there to seize on the loose ball. After a phase, the ball is popped to Morwenna Talling who shows all of her strength to drive through two tacklers and force her way over the line. Sheer power.
Aitchison adds the extras and England are pulling away now.
England 7-3 Scotland, 14 mins
16:20 , Luke BakerHere come England again. That's a really clever kick by Aitchison in behind, bouncing into touch deep in the 22. Given the Scottish lineout struggles so far, this could be productive.
TRY! England 7-3 Scotland (Kelsey Clifford, 13 mins)
16:16 , Luke BakerAnd England have the breakthrough! It’s powerful front-rower Kelsey Clifford who barrels over the line but a superb carry by Jones to get over the gain-line and Galligan on the crash ball to keep the momentum set it up.
It was an impressive finish by Clifford who is showing a nose for the try-line in this tournament. Simple conversion added by Aitchison and that will settle English nerves
England 0-3 Scotland, 11 mins
16:12 , Luke BakerScotland get over the ball in the form of Bonar and win the turnover on halfway! This is great so far from the Scots.
The lineout is faltering though. They lose a second one, this time on the England 22 and Talling then drives her legs on the carry to keep her side moving forward.
A boot clear isn’t dealt with by Scotland and suddenly England have a scrum on the Scottish 22. Chance for the hosts...
England 0-3 Scotland, 8 mins
16:10 , Luke BakerEngland pinch the lineout and Heard barrels through tacklers for a platform in the 22. The first real chance for the favourites to attack.
Matthews with a good carry and Aitchison then tries a crossfield kick to Dow but it’s too long and sails out of the in-goal area on the full. Again, Scotland can clear
England 0-3 Scotland, 6 mins
16:08 , Luke BakerFlat ball from Aitchison to Jones who makes decent yards before Aitchison tries a kick through but Rollie deals with it. Scotland can clear to halfway where Breach returns towards the 22.
Ball in touch and a stop in play as a Scotland player receives treatment. A brief pause after a compelling start to this one
PENALTY! England 0-3 Scotland (Helen Nelson, 4 mins)
16:05 , Luke BakerA first World Cup quarter-final since 2002 for Scotland and they lead! Helen Nelson slots the penalty and it’s 3-0 to the underdogs. Perfect start
England 0-0 Scotland, 3 mins
16:03 , Luke BakerThis is nice by Scotland. Bonar and Brebner-Holden with big carries and they’re within a couple of metres of the England line.
Penalty advantage for offside and the Scots will kick for the posts. Chance to take the lead
England 0-0 Scotland, 2 mins
16:02 , Luke BakerScotland with the first spell of possession before Rollie kicks ahead to put England in pressure in the 22. Some decent phases there.
Rowland collects for the hosts and kicks to touch but Scotland have the lineout just outside the 22.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Scotland
16:01 , Luke BakerUnderway at Ashton Gate. England are huge favourites here but in sport, you just never know. That’s what Scotland have to tell themselves.
England v Scotland
15:58 , Luke BakerAnthems are done and kick-off is imminent here in Bristol
England vs Scotland match officials
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s experienced Frenchwoman Aurelie Groizeleau in the middle today, a familiar figure to both sides having taken charge of plenty of Women’s Six Nations fixtures over the six years.
Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (Fra)
ARs: Clara Munarini (Italy) & Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
The key change that turned Tatyana Heard into England’s centre linchpin
15:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleShe may not always attract the column inches that others do, but there is perhaps no more important player to the England backline than Tatyana Heard. This week, I sat down with the inside centre for an illuminating conversation about introverted energy, finding her place in the environment and the long road to the top.
The key change that turned Tatyana Heard into England’s centre linchpin
England turn to ‘Miss Versatility’ with Ellie Kildunne ruled out of World Cup quarter-final
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere aren’t many rugby players quite like Helena Rowland, the England back genuinely capable of covering every position from 10-15 - and cross-training at scrum half at times during this tournament, too. She gets a huge opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot today after Ellie Kildunne’s concussion.
England set to turn to ‘Miss Versatility’ with Ellie Kildunne out of quarter-final
Farewell to Jade Konkel?
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis could mark the end of Jade Konkel’s international career, the No 8 announcing on Friday that she intends to retire at the end of this World Cup. If it is farewell, it is great shame to lose one of the best ball carriers we’ve seen in the women’s game, Konkel at the heart of so many of Scotland’s best moments during her career.
A firefighter, Konkel will continue to captain Harlequins in PWR as well as working in the London Fire Brigade - the way in which she has balanced both roles recently is testament to her character.
“It’s really hard to find the words because I’ve been in this squad since I was 18, that’s literally my entire adult life, and it’s because I have had the most incredible 13 years.
“The incredible players I have played with, the management and people behind the scenes, the places I have gone – you know I’m from the Highlands, a very small place on the Black Isle and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would play for Scotland, let alone move to France, move to London, and have so many incredible memories just from playing a sport.
“Yes, it’s come with the ups and downs, the injuries, but it’s also come with the best memories and ones I will be telling on my death bed because they are some of the most special memories that I will have in my whole entire life. That’s credit to the beautiful sport we play and the people that are in the environment as well.”
Team news - Scotland
15:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleChristine Belisle is brought straight into the starting Scotland side having been called up as an injury replacement this week, with Bryan Easson praising the tighthead’s experience and ability to hit the ground running. Jade Konkel comes into the starting back row in what could prove the No 8’s final game after announcing that she will retire after the tournament in the week.
A backline that has fired in this tournament is unchanged, with Francesca McGhie and Rhona Lloyd hoping to add to their combined nine tries so far.
Scotland XV: 1 Leah Bartlett, 2 Lana Skeldon, 3 Christine Belisle; 4 Emma Wassell, 5 Sarah Bonar; 6 Rachel Malcolm (capt.), 7 Evie Gallagher, 8 Jade Konkel; 9 Leia Brebner-Holden, 10 Helen Nelson; 11 Francesca McGhie, 12 Lisa Thomson, 13 Emma Orr, 14 Rhona Lloyd; 15 Chloe Rollie.
Replacements: 16 Elis Martin, 17 Molly Wright, 18 Molly Poolman, 19 Eva Donaldson, 20 Rachel McLachlan, 21 Alex Stewart; 22 Caity Mattinson, 23 Evie Wills.
Your squad for the quarter-finals against England this Sunday🏴💪
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) September 12, 2025
More 👉 https://t.co/PFuyeROVHs pic.twitter.com/OlxXXLFVQS
Team news - England
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland are bolstered by the availability of skipper Zoe Aldcroft, who missed the pool stage clashes with Samoa and Australia with injury. Helena Rowland takes the place of Ellie Kildunne, who is working through concussion return-to-play protocols, at full-back, while Holly Aitchison is given a first start of the tournament at fly half.
Kelsey Clifford deputises for Hannah Botterman at loosehead prop, and Aldcroft’s return sees Morwenna Talling moved into the second row.
England XV: 1 Kelsey Clifford, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Rosie Galligan; 6 Zoe Aldcroft (capt.), 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews; 9 Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt, 10 Holly Aitchison; 11 Jess Breach, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Abby Dow; 15 Helena Rowland.
Replacements: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Abbie Ward, 20 Maddie Feaunati; 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Emma Sing.
Time for the quarter-final ⏰
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) September 12, 2025
John Mitchell has named his #RedRoses team to face Scotland this Sunday at 16:00 BST 👇#RWC2025 | #WearTheRose
England vs Scotland
14:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is little more than an hour away here in Bristol, where it is absolutely chucking it down, and pretty blustery too. Managing the conditions could be key - let’s take a closer look at the two sides...
Why are there so few female head coaches at the Women’s World Cup?
14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia’s defeat yesterday brings an end to Jo Yapp’s time in charge of the Wallaroos, an excellent stint from the former England scrum half nonetheless serving to highlight just how few female head coaches are operating at the top end of the women’s game. I took an in-depth look at the issues and positive signs for the future earlier this week:
Why are there so few female head coaches at the Women’s World Cup?
A cracking quarter-final
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe know, then, that Friday night will see New Zealand and Canada battle for a place in the World Cup final - ready yourselves, because that should be spectacular. Canada beat New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series last year for the first time in their history, before the two sides shared a thrilling 27-all draw in May.
The super-strengths and superstar that make Canada World Cup contenders
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleI was at Ashton Gate, meanwhile, to watch Canada and Sophie de Goede do their thing - very, very impressively. Even by her world-leading standards, the lock was outstanding yesterday, but head coach Kevin Rouet made sure to underscore that it was a total team effort as Australia were swept aside.
The super-strengths and superstar that make Canada World Cup contenders
Yesterday's action...
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll continue the build-up to the fourth and last quarter-final in a moment, but first, a look back at yesterday’s action - and let’s begin at Sandy Park, where South Africa’s women were very impressive, giving the world champion Black Ferns a real fright...
New Zealand survive scare against South Africa to progress to World Cup semi-finals
The circumstances that give Scotland hope of springing a World Cup shock against England
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo doubt, Scotland are up against it today - they have not beaten England in 26 years and, truthfully, have rarely looked like getting close of late. But after a fine tournament amidst challenging circumstances behind-the-scenes, they at least carry hope:
Why Scotland carry hope of springing a World Cup shock against England
Captain Zoe Aldcroft returns as England reveal team for Scotland quarter-final
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleZoe Aldcroft has been deemed fit to return from injury to captain England in their Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland.
The Red Roses skipper suffered a knee problem in the opening game against the United States and was subsequently ruled out of the wins over Samoa and Australia as her return was carefully managed.
Aldcroft is able to start the last-eight clash in Bristol on Sunday, though, returning to the back row - but full-back Ellie Kildunne and prop Hannah Botterman are ruled out.
Captain Zoe Aldcroft returns as England reveal team for Scotland quarter-final
England vs Scotland live
Saturday 13 September 2025 15:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Women’s World Cup quarter-finals come to a close with hosts, and favourites, England taking on familiar foes Scotland in Bristol. It is 26 years since the Red Roses last lost to their opponents today - but after an excellent tournament thus far, the Scots arrive with hope that they can spring a shock.
Kick off at Ashton Gate is at 4pm BST.
