Women's World Cup semi-final predictions and rugby union tips

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for New Zealand v France and England v Canada in the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Where to watch

England v Canada
ITV, 3.30am Saturday

France v New Zealand
ITV, 6.30am Saturday

Best bet

New Zealand -6
1pt 8-11 BoyleSports

Preview

Not even Mother Nature can slow England down in their bid to win a third Women’s Rugby World Cup and Canada don’t look to pose a serious threat to the claims of the Red Roses.

A deluge in Auckland during England’s quarter-final clash against Australia could have made life tricky for the tournament favourites but they passed that test with flying colours, rolling over the Wallaroos 41-5.

All seven of England’s tries in the last eight came from the forwards, who have overpowered everyone they’ve come up against and are likely to make the difference against Canada.

The Canadians are undefeated at the World Cup having edged out the USA in the quarters but England are a big step up in class.

The Red Roses eased to a 51-12 win over the North Americans last November and bookmakers make England 26-point favourites for the first of Saturday’s semi-finals double-header at Eden Park in Auckland.

The second last-four match looks a more competitive heat with hosts New Zealand favoured by less than a converted try for the clash with a France side bidding to reach a first World Cup final.

The French boast the best defensive record in the tournament having conceded just 21 points in four games, which includes a pool-stage clash with England.

However, France's power game means they match up well with England but New Zealand are a different beast and their sharp backline, led by the tournament’s top tryscorer Portia Woodman, look set to cause the underdogs all kinds of problems in dry conditions.

The Black Ferns have steadily improved as the World Cup has gone on, thrashing Wales 55-3 in the quarters, and are a sound prospect to reach the final with a bit to spare.

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