Rugby-France come back from 13-point deficit to secure semi-final berth

Rugby - Women's World Cup 2025 - Quarter-Finals - France v Ireland - Sandy Park, Exeter, Britain - September 14, 2025 France's players celebrate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

EXETER, England (Reuters) -France survived a scare to advance to a ninth Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, coming from behind to edge Ireland 18-13 in a tense quarter-final at Sandy Park on Sunday.

Ireland had the wind behind them from kickoff and took advantage of the treacherous conditions to be 13-0 up at halftime but France fought back to score 18 unanswered second-half points and book a semi-final clash against either England or Scotland in Bristol next Saturday.