Red Roses name four Bears for World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate

Four Bristol Bears players are in John Mitchell’s matchday squad for the Red Roses’ clash with France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate, Bristol on Saturday (KO 3.30pm). 

Hannah Botterman returns to the starting XV after missing the quarter-final victory over Scotland while Abbie Ward is promoted to the second row from the replacements.

Botterman’s inclusion in the front row sees her link up with hooker Amy Cokayne and tighthead prop Maud Muir for the third time in the tournament.  

Bears teammates Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern are also set to run out in Bear Country on Saturday as they feature among the replacements for return to Ashton Gate Stadium.

Mitchell said: “Ashton Gate set the stage for a strong performance in tough conditions last weekend, and the girls are eager to get back out there for the semi-final. 
“We’ve earned this stage, and now we’ve got another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and is the right way; by working together we’ll keep getting better. 
“France have faced challenges, and that will drive them – we expect it. We don’t need to be perfect, just effective, focused, and ready for the fight. We’re excited and ready to hunt them.” 

Red Roses team to play France 
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 55 caps) 
14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 57 caps)  
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 31 caps)  
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 34 caps)  
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 51 caps)  
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 63 caps) 
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 85 caps)  
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 60 caps) 
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 87 caps)  
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 46 caps)  
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 26 caps)  
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 79 caps)  
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 67 caps) – captain  
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 26 caps)  
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 79 caps)   

Replacements  
16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 72 caps)  
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 19 caps)  
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 77 caps)  
19 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 29 caps)  
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 21 caps)  
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 37 caps)  
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 42 caps)  
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 44 caps)