ENGLAND overcame France to reach Saturday's Women's Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand, but Danielle Waterman looks unlikely to play in the title decider.

The Taunton and Minehead star went off for a head injury assessment (HIA) in the 28th minute of last night's semi-final in Belfast, with Meg Jones her replacement.

Full-back Waterman failed the HIA, and therefore played no further part in the match, as England won 20-3 thanks to tries from Sarah Bern and Jones, and some truly stoic defensive work.

Waterman is the only England player to have started every match at the World Cup, but the HIA protocols mean she is highly unlikely to be able to play in the final (Saturday, ko 7.45pm).