WORCESTER Valkyries duo Lydia Thompson and Rochelle Clark helped England women see off France 20-3 in Belfast to book their place in the World Cup final.

The Red Roses take on New Zealand on Saturday (7.45pm) as they return to the Kingspan Stadium in their quest to win back-to-back World Cups after picking up the gong in 2014.

Emily Scarratt got the first points of their semi-final clash courtesy of a penalty on the 17-minute mark before France wing Shannon Izar slotted from the tee to make it 3-3 at half-time.

In a tight game with few try-scoring opportunities Kay Wilson's break out wide almost led to a try before Scarratt got her second penalty to nudge England ahead.

A succession of pick-and-drives near the France line saw Sarah Bern crash over for her first try at international level.

France were denied by a try-saving tackle from Meg Jones and then the centre latched onto a handling error to book a place in the final.

Worcester wing Thompson started while prop Clark figured from the bench.

England head coach Simon Middleton said: "It was game befitting of a World Cup semi-final.

"France have been incredible in this tournament and we've seen both sides of them with the flair but they showed their toughness this time.

"We had to fight every inch of the way but I'm absolutely thrilled.

"We said at half-time if we were patient and kept the tempo up, tweaked what we were doing a bit and were patient in the 22 we would get on top of them.

"We dominated the second half or large periods of it and it was testament to France's defence they were in the game right until the end.

"We've been in a lot of tough situations this year, a lot of pressurised situations, and have come out of the right side of them all and we've one more to do.

"They won't need pointing in any direction and they'll know exactly what it will take on Saturday."