Botterman and Kildunne hand England lift for France clash

Hannah Botterman has admitted she feared her Rugby World Cup was over after sustaining a back injury against Australia in England’s final pool match.

- Sarah Rendell

The 26-year-old prop has recovered to be named in England’s semifinal starting XV but was seen crying in pain as she walked off the pitch against the Wallaroos and sat out the quarterfinal victory over Scotland.

Fast-forward a week and the loosehead will feature in the front row amid four changes to England’s starting lineup to face France tomorrow, including the return of world player of the year, Ellie Kildunne, at fullback.

When asked, however, if she felt her tournament might have been over after being replaced in the second half in Brighton, Botterman said: “Yes. Back’s never nice to do, but it was a bit more painful than anything else I've had.