Kabeya: England want to go one better in World Cup final

By Milly McEvoy 

Sadia Kabeya is ready to go one better after England booked their place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final with a 35-17 win over France. 

The Loughborough Lightning flanker’s defensive abilities were key as the Red Roses weathered a storm from Les Bleues in the first half. 

Matters got easier in the second half, with England able to play their natural game as Ellie Kildunne and Meg Jones shone. 

Kabeya was part of the squad that lost the World Cup final to New Zealand three years ago, but new opposition in the form of Canada presents a new opportunity. 

“This is the best you can get at this point, going into a World Cup final,” Kabeya said. “We want to do one better next week. 

“Right now we are revelling in the fact that we are finalists and then we’ll get the job done hopefully. 

“As a flanker, your job is to hit things hard and get things low and when you have French people running at you that is all you have to do.  

“Obviously, first half, credit to France, they put a load of pressure on us, but I think in the second half we came back and put the pressure back on them.” 

John Mitchell revealed he was calm at half-time despite his side being tested by France in the first half. 

Ellie Kildunne opened the scoring on her return from concussion with a run that started on the halfway line. 

Nassira Konde hit back for France with the game being defined at the breakdown. 

Jones and Botterman battled to be the best jackaller but France were the better team overall in the first half as they rode the conditions, with incessant rain eventually petering out.

The Red Roses are final bound 🤩

Victory over France in Bristol means England will face Canada in a home Rugby World Cup final 🙌#PWR #RWC25 pic.twitter.com/nmbLbmLG51

— Premiership Women's Rugby (@ThePWR) September 20, 2025

Kabeya added: “Botts and Meg have been doing that all season. 

“It is just instinctive for those players, and you always rely on them and know they are going to pull it out in big moments so props to them."

The break gave England renewed focus and they again scored first, this time through their trademark rolling maul as Amy Cokayne dotted down. 

Bristol Bear Abbie Ward dived over on her home turf to give the Red Roses breathing room. 

Another stunning score from Kildunne allowed England to play with freedom while France stalled. 

Konde’s second try on 73 minutes did not seem to affect the Red Roses nerves as they were able to claim a comprehensive win with Jones scoring in the penultimate minute. 

Despite the French test, it will be even harder next week as England take on the number two team in the world in Canada. 

The Maple Leafs impressed in a stunning win over the Black Ferns, but Kabeya believes the Red Roses have a game plan to beat them in front of a record crowd at Allianz Stadium next Saturday. 

“Canada are a great team, they are number two in the world,” Kabeya said. “They thrive on fast ruck because they have really good threats out wide. 

“But if we can slow that down, we have got a game on our hands and try and null those wide talents out there.” 

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