record winning streak of 30 games<\/a> was ended when it mattered most in the World Cup final. <\/p>\nEngland are ranked number one in the world and are on a record 32-game winning run.<\/p>\n
Reaching a home World Cup final was expected, but that can often bring more pressure.<\/p>\n
Mitchell’s side were lucky to lead 7-5 at half-time against Les Bleues, who butchered a number of try-scoring opportunities in a dominant opening period.<\/p>\n
However, England, and Botterman in particular, defended well to remain in front.<\/p>\n
Hooker Amy Cokayne and Abbie Ward crossed in the second half to calm any fears of an upset, with Kildunne’s second – an incredible individual score – adding sparkle to an attack that struggled to click.<\/p>\n
When Megan Jones crossed with only a minute left, the scoreline was comfortable and England had found a way to seal their final spot without playing brilliantly.<\/p>\n
“England’s attack didn’t function like we hoped it would and the forwards did the job,” former England captain Katy Daley-McLean told BBC One.<\/p>\n
“Ellie Kildunne will get the headlines but it was won up front.”<\/p>\n
Canada, in contrast, delivered a clinical first-half performance to score four tries against New Zealand in their 34-19 victory.<\/p>\n
Kevin Rouet side’s may be ranked number two in the world, but their amateur status differs massively to the Red Roses, who have been professional since 2019.<\/p>\n
A \u00a3530,000 (C$1m) fundraising drive had to be set up to help Canada compete with the World Cup hosts to win the tournament.<\/p>\n
England head coach John Mitchell, who is yet to lose since taking the job after the 2023 men’s World Cup, is not concerned about semi-final form heading into the final.<\/p>\n
“It is going to be a collective plan, the two best teams in the world in the final and that is awesome for the game,” he told BBC One.<\/p>\n
“Canada are playing great rugby, we are playing very effective rugby, we have had to fight throughout this tournament and it will be a different game at the weekend.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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