SF2: France v England; Saturday, 3.30pm; BBC1

[Which Tyler]

Re: Maggie Cogger-Orr
TJs: Clara Munarini, Kat Roche
TMO: Rachel Horton

France:
1. Yllana Brosseau
2. Agathe Gerin
3. Rose Bernadou
4. Madoussou Fall Raclot
5. Hina Ikahehegi
6. Charlotte Escudero
7. Lea Champon
8. Teani Feleu

09. Pauline Bourdon Sansus
10. Carla Arbez
11. Marine Menager
12. Gaby Vernier
13. Nassira Konde
14. Joanna Grisez
15. Morgane Bourgeois

16. Elisa Riffonneau, 17. Annaelle Deshaye, 18. Assia Khalfaoui, 19. Taina Maka, 20. Seraphine Okemba
21. Alexandra Chambon, 22. Lina Tuy, 23. Kelly Arbey

England:
1. Hannah Botterman
2. Amy Cokayne
3. Maud Muir
4. Morwenna Talling
5. Abbie Ward
6. Zoe Aldcroft
7. Sadia Kabeya
8. Alex Matthews

09. Natasha Hunt
10. Zoe Harrison
11. Jess Breach
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Megan Jones
14. Abby Dow
15. Ellie Kildunne

16. Lark Atkin-Davies, 17. Kelsey Clifford, 18. Sarah Bern, 19. Rosie Galligan, 20. Maddie Feaunati
21. Lucy Packer, 22. Holly Aitchison, 23. Helena Rowland

[Which Tyler]

England should be too strong for France - but a motivated France can hurt anyone, and England haven't been playing all that well, despite their scorelines. I fear that we're undercooked for this.

[pjm1]

I agree that England *should* be too strong, not for France, but for this France. That team is shorn of some better players - some enforced (injury & suspension) and some selection surprises. A written off France can always be dangerous though.

I totally agree that England are undercooked. We have yet to play a team this WC that has challenged us in any meaningful way. Scotland for 7-8 minutes at the start is not enough, and consolation scores don't truly reflect the defending team's capabilites (although perhaps do indicate a temperament issue...)

My bigger worry with this game is that this France team continues in that same vein. If we totally walk this (which for me has a perhaps 50-60% chance of happening) then I genuinely worry for us in the final, regardless of which of NZ / Canada make it. Temperament (again), arrogance, expectations and just going into that final having played barely opposed training runs is a real recipe for a come down.

Which would be gutting.

So, I hope the real France turn up with their half 1st / half 2nd string team. I hope they absolutely bring it to us, and give our girls a bloody good scare! In fact, I'd go as far as to say, I would actually like to see us trail at half time. If we do, and can't turn it around then we don't deserve to be in the final, let alone win it...

[fivepointer]

Fully expect us to be tested. Even a below full strength France should give us a much sterner test than what we've had so far.

If that means we have to play with a touch more ambition that will be be no bad thing.

[Mr Mwenda]

Totally agree, the scene is set for an ambush by a battle hardened team. I assume the England camp is aware of this risk but I guess there's only so much that can be done. I am a bit surprised in a way that some of the old hands like Scarrett and M
Packer haven't been involved more involved to bring some nous. But I guess that speaks highly of those who have replaced them.

[Which Tyler]

Here's hoping they test us, but ultimately fall short; and keep this as their anthem

[loudnconfident]

Ditto.
On Betfair France are 14/1 against for our SF(!) Someone thinks we will walk it and I hope we are tested (and win! ) If we are not tested - and wrt betting - NZ are 5/1 to win the WC. That's good odds IMO

[Which Tyler]

Wow

Come. On Canada

[Which Tyler]

Things you love to see

[Which Tyler]

Boo hiss.

NZ 7 - 17 Can
27 min

[oldbackrow]

24-7 and well worth the lead as well!

[Which Tyler]

Oops, apparently I got started into the wrong thread.
Nevermind.

Looking ominous for next week - whoever wins.

Canada so good.
New Zealand a little shell shocked, and a little complacent - absolutely can adapt and turn this around after half time

[fivepointer]

Weather forecast is for heavy rain later. Pity.

[Which Tyler]

Weather forecast is for heavy rain later. Pity.

Plays into England's hands... Even more so after bans and injuries to the French.

Today, France could be very dangerous if they have good weather, see their set backs and think "fuck it, let's have some fun", and it goes well initially.
Without that, I can't see them really challenging us - which means England should go into the final without having to move beyond 2nd gear, where well play a battle-hardened Canada, who were always my bigger fear of meeting.
Hopefully, Canada will be both battle-hardened, and emotionally exhausted

[Which Tyler]

Made them work way harder than they should have done for that.

White line fever by Escudero with an easy pass inside to score unopposed under the posts

[paddy no 11]

That's a serious butchering from the french 11, went glory hunting to score her own try instead of giving a simple pass

[paddy no 11]

And another one bombed, stupid long pass when hands would have done

[Which Tyler]

Yup.
Calm heads, and France are up 3 tries to 1

The Canadians are definitely the happiest with that half

[loudnconfident]

England are seriously second -best. Strong halftime talk required
...

[fivepointer]

Goodness, the contrast in quality between last nights match and this is stark.

England really need to pull themselves together. Just when they need to be upping a gear they are playing well below their best.

[Donny osmond]

Not impressed with England in the first half. Need to get some composure and leadership. France were clearly better but you get the feeling they're at their ceiling, England could be playing much better, hopefully they do.

[Puja]

Glorious finish by Kildunne, but she bloody well had to score it after eschewing two easy try-scoring passes in favour of going herself!

We got the job done and managed to ride out a really big test. Hopefully that's prepped us well and we won't be surprised to be in a competitive game with the Canucks in a weeks.

Puja

[Donny osmond]

Moved up the gears, stopped fwcing around, won the game. Should be a great game next week if both teams show up.

[fivepointer]

An improved second half with some nicely constructed tries.

Thought Jones was terrific and Kabeya put in a huge defensive shift.

Whether playing like this will be enough next week remains to be seen.

[Which Tyler]

Glorious finish by Kildunne, but she bloody well had to score it after eschewing two easy try-scoring passes in favour of going herself!

Pass? Kildunne? When she has the option of going it alone?
Something tells me you haven't been paying attention...

Whether playing like this will be enough next week remains to be seen.

It won't, unless we can drag Canada down to our level