Women's rugby 'Special' Ellie is star of the show as England reach World Cup final

ELLIE Kildunne was acclaimed as "special" by England head coach John Mitchell after she conjured two superb finishes to help clinch a place in next Saturday's World Cup final.

- Duncan BECH

The Red Roses will meet Canada at Allianz Stadium after emerging from their first true test of the tournament against an outstanding France side with a 35-17 victory at Ashton #Gate.

A hard-fought win was founded on the graft of the defence, but it was the individual brilliance of England's 26-year-old fullback that lit up the semifinal in Bristol.

"Ellie's special and she deserves her accolades as last year's world player of the year," said Mitchell.

"She's still very, very young. Everyone puts her on a poster but she's a very humble girl. She does photography and other bits and pieces - she just loves being creative.

"She's not a woman who you box. She's inspired by autonomy. She only needs a little bit of structure.

"She's dealing with life very well because she's put on a pedestal and that's quite new to her in her life.

"It's really important that we support in that space but also allow her to chase her goals."

England captain Zoe Aldcroft echoed her coach's view as Kildunne made a stunning return the concussion that forced her to miss the quarterfinal victory over Scotland.

"Elle is absolutely electric. She can make something out of nothing," Aldcroft said.