Rugby World Cup: France 7-13 England

England continued their winning ways in the World Cup with a tight victory over France.

England's Emily Scarratt scored the first try in New Zealand after France lost star players.

Scarratt made it 2-0 with a penalty either side of the break.

England held on for a 13-7 victory that will likely see them qualify for the quarter-finals.

Sarah Hunter made her 137th international appearance, becoming England's most-capped player.

England have won 27 Tests in a row and haven't lost since July.

France and New Zealand will provide sterner opposition in the later stages of the tournament after the close win over England.

The Red Roses were able to handle the pressure against France.

England break down steely France defence

The World Cup match between England and France was expected to be one of the most tightly fought and highest quality encounters, and it was no different.

In the first half, the level of competition was high. England had a lot of territory and possession, but was only able to get 10 points because France made so many tackles.

After Thomas Darracq was brought in to lead France, England looked determined to litter France's backfield with kicks.

The fly-half put in a composed performance as she repeatedly tested France with her boot.

The wind was taken from France's sails as two of their key players were forced to leave the field.

Sansus left with a leg injury and Menager appeared to have been knocked out.

Sansus was replaced by her partner.

England's forwards were held up over the try line by France's defence inside their 22.

The centre was sent over by Harrison and Scarratt after 24 minutes.

Scarratt took three points to give England a 10 point lead at the half-time break.

Hermet try sets up frantic finish

After the break, England appeared to have unlocked France's scrum.

Scarratt spilled the ball forward, leaving Middleton with his head in his hands.

Sarah Bern went over the tryline, but she was stripped of the ball by France's Maelle Filopon.

The line-out drive was not used by England despite their forward dominance.

Marlie Packer threw the ball to Amy Cokayne, who was held up as she crossed.

Scarratt took three points from in front of the posts and it looked as if England had won.

France came back from nowhere. The kick from Drouin was grabbed by hermet.

The frantic finish against France showed that England are not good enough at the World Cup.

They will play South Africa in their final pool game on October 23rd.

Player of the match

Line-ups

Drouin, Sansus, Deshaye, Sochat, Joyeux, Ferer, and R Menager are from France.

M Menager is one of the replacements.

England: Kildunne, Scarratt, Mcdonald, Harrison, Infante, Cokayne, Bern, Ward, Matthews, M Packer, Hunter.

There are replacements for Powell, O'Donnell, O'Donnell, L Packer, Aitchison, and others.