Brighton – England star fullback Ellie Kildun will miss the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Scotland next weekend.
Kildun was forced to banish with a head knock in the second half of England’s 47-7 victory over Australia in Brighton on Saturday, making England confirm that she faces a mandatory 12-day standdown period.
Kildunne never received an HIA when she took off, but instead was taken permanently from the field by a doctor. England will also monitor Hannah Botterman’s fitness after the star’s props were pulled away in the first half of the victory with a back cramp.
John Mitchell’s side will face Scotland in Bristol next Sunday, but Red Rose has discovered that he’s made it easier against Australia. Wallaroos scored first in the match, leading up to the 28th minute, but England eventually ran seven tries and became their biggest return from the pool stage.
“We didn’t start well. It looked clunky and messy on the offense, but we thought our defense was outstanding,” Mitchell said. “Sometimes the attack doesn’t go for you, but it was something that was in our own control, so we look back at our preparation. The defense was outstanding.”
Sadia Kabeya added: “Yeah, it’s been our toughest game so far. You know we were under pressure in the first half, but we needed it. We work on a lot of things and iron it. We trust the plan.
“We have a huge career in the Forward Pack. There is a threat throughout the park. Forwards can’t take all the credits!”
– England closes the pool stage with a 47-7 victory, and Australia also advances
– Scotland will face England in the quarter-finals after Canada’s defeat
– The United States slashed Samoa but knocked out WRWC
England captain Alex Matthews said, “This is the most tenacious thing we have in our first 40 years old. Usually the lineout is a spot, but the soft error count was very high.
England moves to Bristol, where they prepare for Scotland.
“It’s great to play against Scotland. They play well in this tournament, so considering what they have to experience in terms of contract in two countries with a rich history in rugby, they do an incredible job for each other,” Mitchell said.