France to break their semi-final hoodoo?

France have made it into the semi-finals of a Rugby World Cup for an impressive ninth time - since the turn of the century they have never failed to make it to this stage of the tournament.

However, in all eight of those semi-finals France have ended up on the losing team. This year’s group will be hoping to end that hoodoo, despite facing the challenge of taking on the number-one ranked team in the world in the form of the Red Roses.

"We know we are underdogs,” said replacement hooker Elisa Riffonneau.

“It takes pressure off us because we know our position, and it’s exciting to be underdogs and prove people wrong. We are convinced we can make it (to the final)."

50 up for Demant

This weekend Ruahei Demant will become the third Black Ferns player to reach 50 tests after Kendra Cocksedge and Fiao'o Faamausili. The fly-half will be integral to her side’s ambitions of adding to their six Rugby World Cup titles, and will be hoping for a big semi-final performance in Bristol.

"Ruahei is an exceptional human,” said captain Kennedy Tukuafu at the Black Ferns' team announcement.

“She leads our team with so much pride, she’s powerful in the words. Nothing changes for her, she’s going to go out there and do her job.

“She’s going to lead our team as she does and 50 games is an amazing milestone, but I know that she’d say ‘It’s just another game’. She’s been amazing for our group, especially this week."

Red Roses’ movie selection an omen?

The Red Roses’ team bonding session on Wednesday night was a movie night in their pyjamas in the team hotel. 

“We had our bonding evening last night so we just chilled out having a little slumber party watching Step Up, so we are just keeping it nice and chilled and keeping our connections going off the field as well,” said captain Zoe Aldcroft.

Loose-head prop Hannah Botterman said though she is a fan of the film, she was unable to enjoy it to its fullest.

“I do like that film,” she said. “Unfortunately for me I really struggle to watch films I have already watched so I was in and out of there pretty quickly in my pink PJs.”

While a movie about dancing doesn’t have a lot to do with rugby on the surface - unless you count the Red Roses’ hot-stepping back three - perhaps the title of the movie is an omen for how they’re going to take their game to the next level in their massive semi-final.

Starstruck Schell takes a tumble

It was reported recently that Shania Twain is backing the Canada team at Rugby World Cup 2025, but the pop sensation won’t be happy to hear that she very nearly injured one of the star players with her message.

"I freaked out, obviously,” Julia Schell says of discovering the message of support from Twain.

“Me and another teammate, who is not on tour with us right now, are very big Shania Twain fans. So, after training, I saw a message from my friend saying to go and check Instagram.

“I literally sprinted from the bus into the changing rooms, and I’ve never fallen over so hard. I was wearing these silly little slippers, and I absolutely ate the floor. That probably sums up how I was feeling about it."

Le Crunch to deliver another thriller?

The last time France and England met it was a one-sided affair in a warm-up to Rugby World Cup 2025.

However, these sides did play out an absolute thriller in their Six Nations decider at Allianz Stadium in April. Have a watch of the highlights below and pray for a repeat of the same drama and excitement this Saturday!