England continued their relentless winning streak in unrelenting rain to book their place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
Weather conditions in Bristol made this clash with Scotland feel more like a Six Nations encounter in the depths of winter, and the Red Roses proved far too strong as they eased to a 40–8 victory.
A first World Cup knockout match in 22 years began with Scotland edging ahead through a Helen Nelson penalty, but England scored all the rest of the first-half points.
The Red Roses slowed after the break as Scotland restricted the world number ones to their lowest tally of the tournament, before Rhona Lloyd crossed late on for a consolation. The final whistle, however, marked both the end of Scotland’s campaign and the Bryan Easson era.
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Scotland made good on their promise to score first, though there was no quick-fire Francesca McGhie try this time. After being repeatedly repelled by England’s defence, Nelson opted for the posts and gave her side a brief advantage on the scoreboard. For those opening four minutes it was all Scotland and all-out attack; the next 36 told a very different story.
England stole a line-out — something that would become a regular theme — and were denied an immediate try only when Holly Aitchison overhit a kick intended for Abby Dow. Scotland showed their fight, with the retiring Jade Konkel forcing a turnover at the breakdown and embraced by Sarah Bonar in the moment. But sentiment soon gave way to reality as England’s pressure told.
Twelve minutes in, Kelsey Clifford bounced off defenders to open the scoring — the longest it had taken England to find the try-line in their four World Cup matches. More line-out woes followed for Scotland, with Lana Skeldon’s throw bouncing loose and Rosie Galligan pouncing before Morwenna Talling bulldozed over for the second.
A rare clean line-out allowed Scotland to attack, but their progress was measured in inches, England’s defence swarming with relentless numbers.
Amy Cokayne was denied by an obstruction call from her own maul, but Scotland’s respite was short-lived as Dow raced over for her 50th international try. On the stroke of half-time, Clifford powered through for her second to stretch the lead to 23 points.
The second half opened with aerial ping-pong more common in the men’s game. Dow charged down a Lisa Thomson kick but was halted by an excellent recovery tackle from Coreen Grant. England soon resumed their dominance, their rolling maul delivering once more as Cokayne claimed her try.
Emotion peaked on the sidelines as Konkel, a cornerstone of Scottish rugby, left the field in tears after her final international appearance.
On the pitch, her teammates refused to fold, with Emma Orr beating Meg Jones in a footrace to deny another England score. Yet the Red Roses were not kept out for long; Aitchison sliced through a gap and added her fifth conversion.
England had done enough, and while Lloyd’s late try ensured Scotland ended their World Cup with pride, it was Mitchell’s side who marched into the last four.
Scotland now face an uncertain future. The squad boasts world-class talent and unbreakable togetherness, but until they receive the structural support to match their ambition, they remain a step behind the very best.
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