Enjoy best of the semi-final action

What a weekend at the women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Two sensational matches, two worthy finalists.

With all the pressure of an expectant home crowd and facing a fired-up France, England wobbled at times but ultimately pulled away to a seventh successive RWC showpiece and a 32nd consecutive win. Here are the best bits from the 35-17 win:

Before all of that, Canada powered into their first final for 11 years with a ruthless display of pace, power and clinical efficiency. Up 17-0 after 24 minutes and 24-7 at half-time, they simply did not let the six-time champions flex their muscles until it was too late. Running out 34-19 winners, the North Americans have their eye on a first ever RWC title. 

Elated England point to power of crowd

Playing a home Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Getting to play the final in front of 82,000-plus fans is a whole other matter. 

"We've felt it from the start of the tournament. We can't thank the crowds enough," England captain Zoe Aldcroft said on Saturday evening. "We love every single one of you and it means so, so much to us."

The women she succeeded in the top job knows just what she means. 

"It's been three years in the making," said Marlie Packer. "The girls have put the performance in today, the squad of 32, but it's been a massive effort to get there. The way Ashton Gate has been this weekend, the crowd is right behind us and the atmosphere was amazing. We want to take it to Allianz Stadium and enjoy the occasion."

Tears flow for perennial bridesmaids France

The record now reads nine RWC semi-finals for France and nine losses. It is no wonder the faces of Les Bleues were streaked in the aftermath of their Bristol battle. 

But while it is not the statistic they want, the French do boast a brilliant record in the bronze-medal play-off match. Seven times they have picked themselves up and managed to power through to third place.

Facing the previously all-conquering Black Ferns on Saturday, kick-off at 12:30 BST, it will no doubt be another cracker.  

Spirit of RWC 2025 reigns supreme

All tournament the world's best players have made time for the next generation of fans, but Canadian superstar Sophie de Goede took it to the next level after her team's seismic victory over the six-time champions: 

But it is not just the fans who have been treated to respect and love, the players have been giving plenty of it to each other. Have a look at Asia Hogan-Rochester showing what she thinks of rival winger Braxton Sorensen-McGee, minutes after denying them a spot in the final: 

No final but Ruby Tui gets mouthguard back

Ruby Tui might not be waking up today looking forward to yet another RWC final week for New Zealand but the Black Ferns legend does have the (perhaps very minor...) compensation of having been reunited with a key piece of memorabilia from her RWC 2021 win. 

Check out what happened live on the BBC: 

Apparently, she popped it straight back in. Rugby. 

London calling for biggest ever women's RWC final 

The 82,000-plus capacity Allianz Stadium is already sold out for the final next Saturday, 27 September, kick-off at 16:00. 

Available live on TV across the planet, do not miss this one. 

Before that, a week of build-up with the war of words starting soon...