England thrash Scots to reach Cup semi-final

ENGLAND'S forwards bulldozed a path into the World Cup semifinals, with a wet-weather masterclass underpinning a 40-8 victory at Ashton Gate.

- By DUNCAN BECH, PA

The Red Roses will meet France for a place in the final after registering a 31st successive victory with a dominant performance that confirmed their status as tournament favourites.

Scotland were pulverised at the scrum as part of a one-sided battle up front and were prevented from venturing outside their own territory for much of the second half as the promising signs seen during the group stage quickly became a distant memory.