England crush Scotland 40-8 to reach World Cup semi-finals

Red Roses delivered another statement of intent at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 as they defeated Scotland 40-8 at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Sunday.

England overwhelmed Scotland in wet conditions, booking a semi-final clash with France and extending their unbeaten run to 39 Tests.

While the scoreline suggests dominance from start to finish, Scotland actually drew first blood before England’s power game turned the contest decisively in their favour.

The opening quarter saw Scotland start with discipline and purpose. Their forwards competed hard at the breakdown, while fly-half Helen Nelson marshalled territory with a clever kicking game.

Their composure was rewarded in the 16th minute when Nelson slotted a penalty, giving Scotland an early 3-0 lead. For a brief moment, the upset looked possible.

The lead was short-lived. England’s pack, renowned for its maul and scrummaging strength, began to impose itself. In the 24th minute, Kelsey Clifford forced her way over the line after sustained pressure, with Holly Aitchison adding the conversion.

Just three minutes later, Scotland’s line-out faltered under England’s aerial contest, and Morwenna Talling pounced to score. Aitchison again made no mistake, and in the space of four minutes, England turned a 0-3 deficit into a 14-3 lead.

Momentum had fully swung, and England were relentless. In the 40th minute, quick handling from the backs released Abby Dow, who crossed for England’s third try.

As the clock ticked into added time, Clifford struck again, smashing through for her second try of the half. Aitchison kept her perfect record from the tee, converting both, and England went into the break 26-3 ahead.

The interval did little to change the pattern. Within six minutes of the restart, hooker Amy Cokayne finished off a trademark driving maul, Aitchison converting to make it 33-3.

In the 64th minute, Aitchison added her own name to the scoresheet. Spotting a gap in a tired Scottish defence, she darted over for England’s sixth try before converting it herself. At 40-3, England had secured their place in the semi-finals, and coach John Mitchell could afford to rotate his bench.

Despite being outclassed, Scotland showed resilience until the end. Their reward came in the 80th minute when Rhona Lloyd finished a sweeping move out wide to score a consolation try.