England's Matthews ready for another 'battle' with France in World Cup semi-final / Photo: Paul ELLIS - AFP
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England's Matthews ready for another 'battle' with France in World Cup semi-final
England back-row Alex Matthews is preparing herself for another "brilliant battle" with France when the familiar foes meet in a Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final in Bristol on Saturday.
The Red Roses, the World Cup favourites, have won their last 16 matches against France.
But they were pushed close by Les Bleues in their two most recent Six Nations meetings at Twickenham.
England built commanding leads on both occasions only for France to mount thrilling recoveries before the home side won 38-33 in 2023 and 43-42 in 2025, with the final whistle coming to their rescue each time.
Both of those results have been highlighted by England coach John Mitchell in a bid to guard against complacency as his side bid to live up to expectations by securing a place in next Saturday's final at Twickenham.
"It's something we have addressed," said veteran No.8 Matthews, a member of the last England side to win the Women's World Cup back in 2014.
"We spoke to Mitch about how... if the game plan is working then don't take the foot off, just keep going.
"Don't get bored with what is going well. It's definitely something we have addressed."
The 32-year-old added: "France are a very physical and emotional team. It's just always such a brilliant battle and that's why I love playing them, whether that's first cap or 50th cap.
"It's these games you thrive off and you do all of that hard work to play in. You want those battles, you want to be beaten up in those little moments."
France have been hard hit by suspension and injury, with forwards Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu banned for biting and a dangerous tackle respectively in a thrilling 18-13 quarter-final win over Ireland last Sunday.
Fy-half Lina Queyroi has been sidelined by concussion and, in a fresh blow, wing Joanna Grisez withdrew on Friday with a hamstring injury.
All this adds to the sense that England are well-placed to post a record-extending 32nd consecutive win against all opponents on Saturday.
But forwards coach Louis Deacon expects that it will take time to establish superiority over France.
"It'll take probably 80 minutes and we'll have to win the game more than once," he said.
"The French will be ready for it and we're prepared for the game to go down to the wire. We are ready to fight, we are ready to hunt them down."
T.Ward--AMWN