England’s Red Roses stand on the brink of another World Cup final as they face France in Saturday’s semi-final at Ashton Gate, Bristol. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 BST, with coverage on BBC platforms.
The statistics speak volumes. England arrive with a record 31 straight Test victories since the last Rugby World Cup final. They have triumphed in 61 of their past 62 matches, often by overwhelming margins. No team in this tournament has come within 30 points of them.
France, meanwhile, bear the scars of 16 consecutive defeats to England, a losing streak spanning more than seven years. French head coaches Gaelle Mignot and David Ortiz admitted the imbalance, with Ortiz describing England’s dominance as unparalleled in world sport.
Yet beneath the headline numbers lies a more competitive narrative. France are the only team to have seriously tested England in recent years. They came within a single point earlier this year in a 43-42 thriller, and pushed them close in a previous semi-final two years ago.
Statistics since the start of 2023 offer hope for France. They averFranceage the most tries, the most attacking entries inside the opposition 22, the most defenders beaten, and the narrowest average losing margin against England.
England head coach John Mitchell has acknowledged the threat France pose. He described them as unpredictable and psychologically resilient, warning his squad not to underestimate their ability to thrive in chaotic moments.
Indeed, history proves Mitchell’s concerns valid. France mounted a stunning second-half fightback at Twickenham two years ago, overturning a 33-0 deficit to finish just five points adrift. Earlier this year, they came within touching distance again after rallying from 31-7 down.
For England, the challenge will be to maintain their composure and clinical edge, ensuring their historic streak carries them into another final. For France, it is about seizing the opportunity to rewrite the script and finally end a long-standing losing run.
The semi-final promises to be more than just a contest of skill. It is a battle of belief, resilience, and the chance to prove that even against one of the most dominant teams in sporting history, nothing is impossible.
