Overview
- New Zealand face Canada on Friday and England meet France on Saturday at Ashton Gate, with winners advancing to the Sept. 27 final at Twickenham.
- Canada name an unchanged 23 led by Sophie de Goede, with flanker Karen Paquin set for her 50th cap after a first-ever win over New Zealand in 2024 and a 27-27 draw this year.
- New Zealand lose star openside Jorja Miller to injury, with co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu stepping in at flanker for the defending champions.
- England restore world player of the year Ellie Kildunne at full-back and Hannah Botterman at loosehead, with Zoe Harrison and Abbie Ward promoted to start against France.
- France are without co-captain Manaé Feleu and flanker Axelle Berthoumieu due to tournament bans, as double ranking points raise the chance of movement at the top with England on a 31-match winning run.