England Women beat USA to reach World Cup semi-finals

Tuesday, 31 August 2010 15:41

Written by Editor

England’s Women have made it through to a World Cup semi-final against Australia with a six-try, 37-10 win over the United States. Full-back Danielle Waterman grabbed the first of her two tries and Katy McLean landed a penalty before the US hit back with a Natalie Machino try.

But Kat Merchant collected McLean's neat chip and Waterman sliced through again to help England into a first half 20-5 lead.Emily Scarratt grabbed the fourth on the resumption before further scores from Amber Penrith and Maggie Alphonsi. England head coach Gary Street said: "I'm pleased with that performance, we certainly would have taken that before the match started.

England the hosts now advance to a last-four meeting with Australia, who secured the best runner-up spot, the match takes place at the Twickenham Stoop tonight Weds at 20.15pm. "That is going to be an exciting one," Street added. "We have never played them before so there is a sense of the unknown here."They won the Rugby World Cup Sevens last year so we know they are used to the big stage, and I think it is going to make for a really thrilling semi-final."

The other semi-final will feature defending champions and favourites New Zealand, who beat Wales 41-8 on Saturday, against France, who overcame Canada 23-8 in their pool decider. That game, also tonight at The Stoop, kicks off at 1800, with the same venue hosting next Sunday's final.