England stormed to victory under grey skies this afternoon at Ashton Gate in Bristol, as they beat Scotland 40-8 to clinch the last semi-final spot of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Although Scotland gained the first points with an early penalty kick from Nelson in the third minute, this seemed to only ignite England’s fire, as they scored a huge six tries.
Scotland, despite having impressive hands and seemingly unflagging energy and speed, were just not enough to deal with the physicality and power of the Red Roses as they barreled over the try line again and again.
Clifford was incredibly impressive, scoring twice before being taken off for a Head Injury Assessment at the start of the second half.
It was tough conditions for both nations as it rained continuously throughout the match, leading to several handling errors and slipped balls.
England thrived in the lineouts, disrupting Scotland’s ball again and again to the delight of the 25,295 strong crowd — the largest quarterfinal turn out in Rugby World Cup history.
Aitchison was clinical with her conversions, only missing one and scoring a try of her own. Lock Morwenna Talling won MasterCard Player of the Match after being an immovable force for the 60 minutes that she was on.
However, Scotland fought to the very end, as Rhona Lloyd managed to dive across the line in the 82nd minute to score Scotland’s first try of the game - and their last of the 2025 World Cup.
England will now face another Six Nations opponent, France, in the semifinals next week, after Les Bleues were able to pip Ireland to the post in a nail-biting fight in Exeter.
MORE: Full schedule for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
England vs. Scotland score
| Score | Tries (conv) | Penalties | |
| England | 40 | Clifford 11' (Aitchison), Talling 15' (Aitchison), Dow 31', Clifford 39' (Aitchison), Cockayne 44' (Aitchison), Aitchison 64' (Aitchison) | |
| Scotland | 8 | Lloyd 82' | Nelson 3' |
England vs. Scotland starting XVs
England
15 - Rowland, 14 - Dow, 13 - Jones, 12 - Heard, 11 - Breach, 10 - Aitchison, 9 - Hunt, 1 - Clifford, 2 - Cockayne, 3 - Muir, 4 - Talling, 5 - Galligan, 6 - Aldcroft (c), 7 - Kabeya, 8 - Matthews
Replacements: 16 - Atkin-Davies, 17 - Carson, 18 - Bern, 19 - Ward, 20 - Feaunati, 21 - Packer, 22 - Harrison, 23 - Sing
Scotland
15 - Rollie, 14 - Lloyd, 13 - Orr, 12 - Thomson, 11 - McGhie, 10 - Nelson, 9 - Brebner-Holden, 1 - Bartlett, 2 - Skeldon, 3 - Belisle, 4 - Wassell, 5 - Bonar, 6 - Malcolm (c), 7 - Gallagher, 8 - Konkel
Replacements: 16 - Martin, 17 - Wright, 18 - Poolman, 19 - Donaldson, 20 - MacLachlan, 21 - Steward, 22 - Mattinson, 23 - Wills
England vs. Scotland live updates, highlights
3': A Scottish line out means that the Scots are on the offensive from the start, driving towards England’s try line. They don't get the try, but a penalty kick from Nelson bags Scotland the first points of the match.
6': England aren't keen on that points difference, and drive into the Scottish 22. But the dark blue's defence is strong, and they're keeping the Red Roses at bay.
7': England win the line out, and their momentum seems unstoppable, but their kick is too powerful and goes out at the corner. Scotland are safe for now.
10’: England steal a Scottish line out, but they’re sloppy and momentum breaks. They’re back in the Scottish half, but it’s a lineout for Scotland as England spill the ball out of play.
11’: England are in! A try under the posts by Clifford and a conversion from Aitchison puts them in the lead with the first try of the match.
15': And again! Talling hammers over the line off the back of a line out to bring the Red Roses score to double digits. Aitchison converts.
20': The ball goes over the English try line loose after a Scottish chip, but the English defence are able to claim it. No joy for that Scottish attempt.
22': The power of the Red Roses scrum rears its head again, as they scrummage just before England 22 and ten metres from the Scottish try line.
24': The Scottish defensive line is superb, forcing back the Red Roses as they try for the line again and again.
25': An English line-out and maul powers over the line - but it isn't enough, and is disallowed for obstruction after going to TMO.
27': You've got to give it to them, Scotland are playing phenomenally, with incredible sound hands despite the pouring rain. However, it currently isn't enough to challenge the physicality and power of the Red Roses.
28': McGhie - Scotland's top try scorer - saves a ball pelting towards the Scottish try line, keeping her team out of danger for now.
31': Scottish high tackle leads to an English line out - and try!!! After no joy near the posts, the ball is fed to Dow who storms over. Aitchison's attempt falls short of the posts. No conversion.
32': Wow, England's line out game is strong as they steal another Scottish line out.
35': The Red Roses attempt a try off a throw-in, but the ref shuts it down. For once, their line-out fails for not being straight, but they win the scrum for another line out attempt.
39': Despite some slippy hands, the Red Roses are over again thanks to Clifford's second try! Half time beckons as England now sit with a 23 point lead.
44': Clifford leaves the pitch for a HIA. Carson takes her place.
45’: England are over for the first try of the second half, as their powerful maul pushes Cockayne over the line. Aitchison converts.
46': Konkel and Belisle are subbed with McLachlan and Poolman on the Scottish side.
54': Atkin-Davies and Bern come on for Cockayne and Muir to the cheers of Ashton Gate.
56': A kick sends the ball flying across the Scottish try line, but quick defence grounds it before the Red Roses can get their hands on it.
58': They are unstoppable!
60': A slew of replacements. Barlett, Skeldon, Brebner-Holden and Rollie come off for Wright, Martin, Mattinson and Wills on the Scottish team. Ward, Feautnati Packer and Harrison come on for the Red Roses as Talling, Aldcroft, Hunt and Heard leave the pitch.
64': A sixth try for the Red Roses! Aitchison dives across before going on to convert.
69': Jones is replaced by Sing as the final ten minutes of the game approach.
73': Wassell and Malcom are swapped for Donaldson and Steward on the Scottish side.
79': Scotland make one final attempt as they storm down the pitch from their 22 as the clock ticks into the red - and they succeed!!! The match ends with a Scottish try as Lloyd dives over in extra time for Scotland's first try.
83': Final score: England 40 - 8 Scotland.
England vs Scotland live- stream, TV channel
UK
- TV channel: BBC Two
- Live stream: England Rugby YouTube
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