England captain Katy McLean: "It was a really tough game. The scoreline reflects the performance. When we do execute and we get our plays right, we can cause teams some serious problems. The biggest thing about our rugby is that if you play on the front foot you can play a decent game."
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "England have pulled it out of the bag - they've woken up and played the game. It's not groundbreaking but they were disciplined and it paid off. Ireland's play in the first period of the first half was better than what they produced in their win against New Zealand."
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Well, it was close at first but in the end England won going away.
Ireland have some fine players but the sheer depth and breadth of class available to England told once the initial Irish storm had blown itself out.
Five tries to one tells its own story, and it is England who will be back at the Stade Jean-Bouin for Sunday's final.
FULL-TIME
Ireland 7-40 England
And that is that.
England are in the final once more - after three final defeats in a row, can they win the World Cup for a second time?
Standing in their way will be either hosts France or Canada, with whom they drew 13-13 in the group stage.
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Ireland 7-40 England
It has been a fantastic tournament for Ireland, and in the future they will look back with satisfaction at what they have achieved, but the final few minutes of this match must be a deeply unpleasant experience for the women from the Emerald Isle.
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Toniwater: Credit where credit is due Eng showing no mercy & taking Ire to the cleaners. Good luck in the final. Well deserved victory!
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "That was a great try by Packer. England have done the basics well. England have shown confidence in what they are trying to do, starved Ireland of possession and kept their discipline."
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Ireland 7-40 England
Marlie Packer's a plumber - which is appropriate as the Irish defence has sprung a leak.
TRY (Packer, con Large)
Ireland 7-40 England
A lovely chip through from inside centre Rachael Burford and Marlie Packer wins the chase to - just - touch down.
Could be a painful few minutes for the Irish to try and hold out, so let's not forget they beat the defending world champions New Zealand earlier in the tournament.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "I promised the West country folk if one of their players scored I would say 'Cowabunga'."
TRY (Packer, con Large)
Ireland 7-33 England
If it wasn't game over before, it most certainly is now. England are utterly dominant and replacement back rower Marlie Packer goes over for their fourth try.
Replacement Ceri Large converts, and it's down to the bench players to try and prove they deserve a start on Sunday in the final 10 minutes.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "Ireland centre Lynne Cantwell is a mini Trojan - what she lacks in height she makes up in spirit. So like Lynne to walk off the pitch rather than be carried off."
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Ireland 7-26 England
England have taken off captain Katy Mclean, with Ceri Large coming on at 10. They're thinking job done, and it's hard to argue.
Three times in a row they have fallen at the final hurdle, humbled by New Zealand, but thanks to Ireland there's no Black Ferns standing in their way now...
Fourth time lucky for the Red Roses? Looks like we'll find out next Sunday.
England tight-head Sophie Hemming is forced off after taking an accidental knee to the face.
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Ireland 7-26 England
Nasty moment as Ireland centre Lynne Cantwell looks to be knocked out as she tackles the powerful Emily Scarratt, but the medics are on quickly and she is quickly back on her feet - she'll head to the sidelines though, no playing on from that.
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Tom Rowse: Great to see the England girls pulling Ireland apart. Got to be favourites for the cup now. Impressive.
Post update
Ireland 7-26 England
...England counter from their own 22, Kay Wilson makes 50m down the left wing and England scent a try.
They try to hammer over from close range but are held up - scrum England.
They go again but winger Kay Wilson is tackled just short as England fizz the ball wide, and a knock-on at the breakdown gives Ireland a put-in at a scrum.
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Ireland 7-26 England
Ireland might be out-gunned but there's one thing they do very well indeed - the driving maul from the line-out.
They finally establish a position in the England 22 and the Red Roses can only stop the first drive the first time by infringing, but on their second attempt they lose the ball and alarm bells start ringing right across the park...
TRY (Wilson, missed con Scarratt)
Ireland 7-26 England
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This time the Ireland scrum holds firm, but it's not just England's forwards looking threatening.
When the pack gives the backs the ball, captain and fly-half Katy Mclean fizzes an inviting pass to Kay Wilson and the Bristol wing finishes in style in the corner despite despairing Irish cover.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what England are trying to do. They are playing for scrum time and Sarah Hunter's football skills at the back of the scrum are world class."
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Ireland 7-21 England
England's scrum barging its way forward like its the Boxing Day sales. Ireland's pack has no answer and after being driven back 15m are penalised.
England, gimlet-eyed and eyeing a bargain, pack down again. They want a try here...
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Ireland 7-21 England
The ball squirms out of England flanker Maggie Alphonsi's grasp and Ireland mount their first attack for some time, but Alison Miller is brought down as she tries to round Kat Merchant.
The Ireland winger holds on in desperation as she waits for support but the England defence swarm over her like hyenas on a carcass and it's a penalty to the Red Roses.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "England created great momentum in the last five minutes of the first half and have taken it into the second half. They are trying to snuff out any sort of a positivity from Ireland."
PENALTY (Scarratt)
Ireland 7-21 England
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Classy move, Ireland infringe and England look set to extend their lead as they are awarded a penalty.
Inside-centre Rachael Burford dummies a return pass to Katy Mclean and instead cuts through the Ireland midfield defence and draws Niamh Briggs before finding Emily Scarratt in support.
Lynne Cantwell times her tackle to perfection to cut down the superb Scarratt, but Ireland infringe and the Lichfield centre picks herself up to slot the penalty.
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Andrew Priestley: Behind at half-time, but I have a feeling this Irish team are going to dominate in the second half and complete a comeback.
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Ireland 7-18 England
England's Joanna McGilchrist runs into Ireland second row Marie Louise Reilly with no thought of anything other than SMASHING her.
The 6ft 3in Reilly has the same plan and the shuddering collision would grace any rugby match. England looking the brighter at the start of the second 40.
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Ireland 7-18 England
We're back. Five finals in a row for England, or an Irish fightback to secure their first ever appearance?
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "I don't think the score reflects the game. Ireland have been left a bit skinny out wide. Emily Scarratt has utilised the space the Irish have left and she has been involved in some of England's opportunities. Ireland will be taking all the positives - they had a moment when they had 15-16 phases without an error. They truly believe if they graft they will get the points."
HALF-TIME
Ireland 7-18 England
A half of two halves perhaps.
Ireland were superb for the first 20 minutes, ruling the line-out, smashing England back in the tackle and hugely effective at the breakdown.
They fully deserved to score the game's first try, but has the Irish storm blown itself out?
The last 20 was all England as their pack munched Ireland in the scrum and, with a good supply of possession to play with, England's power, pace and class across the pitch began to tell.
Emily Scarratt looked a class apart and Ireland will need all their renowned grit and determination if they are to turn this match round and prevent England reaching a fifth final in a row.
PENALTY (Scarratt)
Ireland 7-18 England
Emily Scarratt is a real threat and once again an incisive intervention from the 5ft 11in outside centre bears dividends.
She bursts through midfield on a flat pass, Ireland infringe and she will go for goal again.
The 24-year-old strokes the kick straight down the middle and all of a sudden England look in total control.
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Ireland 7-15 England
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That was Kat Merchant's 44th try in 57 appearances.
Meanwhile, Niamh Briggs sends a penalty over the dead-ball line, rather than into the corner. Big let-off for England who win the scrum and clear.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "It was a great try and great execution from Kat Merchant. Great to see the bench warming up and then jumping for joy when Kat went over."
TRY (Merchant, con Scarratt)
Ireland 7-15 England
Katy Mclean's lovely pass finds Emily Scarratt and a gliding 50m break by the long-striding centre takes England to within five metres.
England recycle, skip it down the line and Kat Merchant has the pace and power to round Alison Miller and score in the corner.
Up steps Scarratt and over goes the very difficult conversion. Fine rugby all round.
England marmalise Ireland at a scrum but when Alex Matthews takes the ball into contact she is held up by the ferocious Irish defence - it's a turnover, but that means another scrum...
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Ireland 7-5 England
Try scorer Rochelle Clark, 33, now has 20 international tries- not bad for a prop. She's also England's second-most capped player - this is her 94th cap.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "An almost identical score as the Irish. It was great pressure from England - they kept their phases. Clark will be so stoked having scored in the semi-final."
TRY (Clark, missed con Scarratt)
Ireland 7-5 England
England do to Ireland what the Irish did to them. Ireland manage to halt the initial drive but England keep it in the forwards and come again.
Maggie Alphonsi is driven back for the second time in the match - that doesn't happen often - but the pressure finally tells as prop Rochelle 'Rocky' Clark burrows over.
Emily Scarratt cannot convert a tricky kick, so Ireland lead by two.
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Ireland 7-0 England
Superb Irish defence - bodies flying into contact all across the pitch - but although they hold out it's throw to England five metres out.
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Ireland 7-0 England
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Here come England as full-back Danielle Waterman embarks on a swerving 40m run to ger England into the Irish 22, but a couple of phases later she loses the ball 10m from the line and Ireland clear.
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Toniwater: The GIG play a lot like Leinster do, hard phases & they usually pay off & have now!! Great stuff girls! Foot to the floor now!
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "You could not clearly see the ball was over the line, but you can't argue with the ref. Credit to Ireland though - they had lots of possession. It was a great kick from Niamh Briggs for the conversion."
TRY (try Miller, con Briggs)
Ireland 7-0 England
Ireland win the line-out and launch a churning drive - hard to see the ball but they're over the line and claiming the try!
It was a tremendous drive - good low body positions, nice shift of the ball to get the drive going, but the ref says she cannot see the ball...
And the TMO says it is a try! The ref asked if there was any reason she could not award the try, and the TMO saw nothing to prevent it being awarded.
I'll be honest, it was hard to see who scored that but I'm pretty sure it was a forward in green. Yeah. Niamh Briggs strokes over the conversion, what a start for the Irish.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Big second row Sophie Spence is prominent for Ireland as they come in waves after a half-break from outside centre Lynne Cantwell.
They are a metre out and it's a penalty advantage...
Spence gets her hands on the ball once again and tries to drive over but is stopped inches short - the Irish kick the penalty into the corner.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Ireland are making a right mess of the England line-out - Irish second rows Sophie Spence and Marie Louise Reilly have had aerial supremacy through the tournament.
But England have had the better of the scrums, and a forward pass means Ireland have the put-in at another engagement...
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "Both teams are playing rugby, playing positively and want to get into each other's half by playing hard phases."
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Ireland 0-0 England
Glimmer of a chance for England but Emily Scarratt holds on with Kay Wilson potentially free outside her.
When Ireland counter there are huge oohs and aahs as Sophie Spence thunders into Rochelle Clarke but the Irish attack comes to an end as England 10 Katy Mclean gets over the ball at a ruck to win the penalty.
Bright start from both sides.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Big drive from England at the first scrum wins the ball back and they spin it left and right, but a spilled pass inside the Irish 22 brings the attack to a halt.
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "It was a strange start from England - there was no communication from the kick off. England need to be tight and clinical in every part of the game."
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Ireland 0-0 England
Good drive from the English forwards into midfield but the Irish get out the choke tackle so beloved of the Irish men and it's a turnover - scrum Ireland on the English 10m line, centre field.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Here we go then, Niamh Briggs to get things under way for Ireland...
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Lloyd Hamilton: Will be paying attention to this game from Berlin. Have to fancy Ireland to win after such a strong showing against All Blacks!
Black Ferns Lloyd, the New Zealand women are called the Black Ferns. The NZ basketball team is called the Tall Blacks btw.
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Ireland field the same XV that stunned New Zealand earlier in the tournament, while England have made six changes from the XV that drew with Canada, including the return of captain Katy Mclean at fly-half.
Centre Emily Scarratt, a classy distributor who also kicks the goals and stands 5ft 11in, could well have a big impact on today's match.
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Ireland rely a great deal on full-back Niamh Briggs, goal-kicker, counter-attacker and brick wall defender.
Her opposite number is Danielle Waterman, less impressive with the boot but just as incisive on the attack.
IRB Women's Rugby: Warm-ups ahead of their first ever World Cup semi-final. Can @IrishRugby get through to the finals?
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International Rugby Board Women's Development Manager Susan Carty: "We're seeing compelling, exciting rugby. I think that's what capturing the imagination of the general public.
"New Zealand have been really strong performers and consistent winners of this particular tournament. They have now been knocked out and we are going to have a new name on the trophy on Sunday. We're excited to see what name that is going to be."
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So today we're at the Stade Jean-Bouin (pictured earlier this afternoon), home of flamboyant top-flight Parisian side Stade Francais - they of the pink, flowery shirts of a few years ago and the Les Dieux de Stade calendars for those who appreciate the athletic form.
Recently redeveloped, it's sold out for the semi-finals, although how many fans will just turn up to see the France game later on remains to be seen.
Either way the tournament's been considered a rousing success so far, and I'd imagine a France v England final would be well received.
Although not by the Irish obviously...
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England full-back Danielle Waterman: "Ireland are in really good form. They've had a good build-up over the last two to three years having won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013.
"As much as they've improved, so have we. We didn't get quite get the technical details right against Canada but we know we can go one step further in terms of our performance."
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But, no matter that England lacked sharpness against the Canadians, they have reached the last three finals and have class and experience throughout their side.
Flanker Maggie 'the Machine' Alphonsi used to dominate the headlines but they now have weaponry across the team and if they click, they will expect to be too good for the Irish and reach a fourth consecutive final.
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England wing Kat Merchant (right) found time for a selfie with fly-half Ceri Large (left) and prop Rochelle Clark.
Kat Merchant/TwitterCopyright: Kat Merchant/Twitter
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In other news, New Zealand have thrashed Wales 63-7 in their match, so the departing world champions will take part in the fifth-sixth play-off match, with Wales in the game that will decide seventh and eighth.
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History dictates Ireland will be underdogs tonight, but on form they look at least the equals of England, who only topped their group on points difference from Canada after their 13-13 draw.
England looked some way short of their best against the Canadians, who matched them for power up front and looked more threatening when they went wide.
England's attacking intent was undermined by a series of poor passes and dropped balls - they'll need to cut that out if they want to keep Ireland quiet.
Ireland captain Fiona Coughlan tells RTE: "We weren't happy with our performance against England at Twickenham in the Six Nations this year - although I know it was only a 17-10 loss. There were areas that we weren't happy with and at times we lacked concentration. They've come up trumps in the past but we'll be looking to put that right."
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Ireland served notice of their improvement when they won the 2013 Six Nations Championship - albeit England were fielding a weakened team in an unsuccessful bid to focus on the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
And although they lost to the Red Roses in the 2014 Six Nations it was a hard fought encounter at Twickenham, with England only edging it 17-10.
The 2014 Championship was won by World Cup hosts France, who play Canada in the second semi-final at Stade Francais' Jean Bouin Stadium.
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BBC Sport's Sara Orchard in Paris: "With a capacity of 20,000, the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris is sold out for the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals. New Zealand's shock exit means there will be a different name on the trophy for the first time since 1994 come the final on Sunday."
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Ireland full-back Niamh Briggs on RTE: "Not many gave us a chance against New Zealand. What it did for us is that we showed we can adapt to any game - it shows we can take it to the next level."
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So what of Ireland, sudden slayers of giants and World Cup semi-finalists for the first time?
With a previous best finish of seventh (in both 2010 and 1994) the side from the Emerald Isle - which, like their men's team, is a combined Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland team - would not seem to have the pedigree to worry either England or New Zealand.
But coach Philip Doyle - who will quit at the end of the tournament - has moulded them into a tigerish team and in goal-kicking full-back Niamh Briggs, one of four nominees for the IRB Player of the Year award, they have one of the world's outstanding players.
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New Zealand's Black Ferns were the standard by which others were measured.
Even more dominant than their male counterparts - the All Blacks are the reigning world champions and are currently on a record-equalling 17-Test winning run - the Black Ferns had won four World Cups in a row.
They might have lost the odd recent Test to England but heading into their pool game with Ireland, New Zealand had not lost a World Cup match since their semi-final defeat by the United States in the last four in 1991.
Eighty minutes later Ireland had won 17-14 and New Zealand's hope of becoming quintuple world champions were over.
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Lord Mayor of Dublin: "Best of luck to the Irish Women's Rugby Team tonight in the @irbwomens World Cup #WRWC2014 #COYGIG We're all behind you!"
France 2014 has proved that where there were once two, now there are five or six teams who can mix it at the top table.
And for proof, look no further than the absence of four-time reigning champions New Zealand, beaten up in the pool stages by Ireland.
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While it has been accepted for some time that the "traditionally male" team sports of football and cricket - the latter albeit with a narrower playing pool - are undoubtedly high class at the top level, rugby union has been slower to hit the heights.
That is, until now.
Yes, there will be teachers, plumbers, police officers and vets on the pitch, but there will also be 30 superb rugby players. We could be in for a treat.
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You thought top class rugby was over for the summer? Well think again.
Big hits, booming kicks and silky skills are your thing? No problem, we've got you covered. Prefer rolling mauls and ferocious jackal-ing at the ruck? Don't worry, there will be plenty of that too.
Ireland v England in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals - proper rugby.
Live Reporting
James Standley
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostFULL-TIME
Ireland 7-40 England
That's all for now. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Join us again on Sunday for live text commentary of the final.
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mrsbarrowboy: well done girls - fantastic game
FULL-TIME
Ireland 7-40 England
England will play the winner of the second semi-final between Canada and hosts France, which kicks off at 19:45 BST.
Sunday's final begins at 17:45 BST and we will have full coverage of the contest here at BBC Sport.
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England women's football captain Steph Houghton: Well done @EnglandRugby on reaching the #WorldCupFinal what a performance!
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England men's hooker Dylan Hartley: "Awesome result for England Ladies! Absolutely confirming their final spot."
FULL-TIME
Ireland 7-40 England
England captain Katy McLean: "It was a really tough game. The scoreline reflects the performance. When we do execute and we get our plays right, we can cause teams some serious problems. The biggest thing about our rugby is that if you play on the front foot you can play a decent game."
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "England have pulled it out of the bag - they've woken up and played the game. It's not groundbreaking but they were disciplined and it paid off. Ireland's play in the first period of the first half was better than what they produced in their win against New Zealand."
Post update
Well, it was close at first but in the end England won going away.
Ireland have some fine players but the sheer depth and breadth of class available to England told once the initial Irish storm had blown itself out.
Five tries to one tells its own story, and it is England who will be back at the Stade Jean-Bouin for Sunday's final.
FULL-TIME
Ireland 7-40 England
And that is that.
England are in the final once more - after three final defeats in a row, can they win the World Cup for a second time?
Standing in their way will be either hosts France or Canada, with whom they drew 13-13 in the group stage.
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Ireland 7-40 England
It has been a fantastic tournament for Ireland, and in the future they will look back with satisfaction at what they have achieved, but the final few minutes of this match must be a deeply unpleasant experience for the women from the Emerald Isle.
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Toniwater: Credit where credit is due Eng showing no mercy & taking Ire to the cleaners. Good luck in the final. Well deserved victory!
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "That was a great try by Packer. England have done the basics well. England have shown confidence in what they are trying to do, starved Ireland of possession and kept their discipline."
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Ireland 7-40 England
Marlie Packer's a plumber - which is appropriate as the Irish defence has sprung a leak.
TRY (Packer, con Large)
Ireland 7-40 England
A lovely chip through from inside centre Rachael Burford and Marlie Packer wins the chase to - just - touch down.
Could be a painful few minutes for the Irish to try and hold out, so let's not forget they beat the defending world champions New Zealand earlier in the tournament.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "I promised the West country folk if one of their players scored I would say 'Cowabunga'."
TRY (Packer, con Large)
Ireland 7-33 England
If it wasn't game over before, it most certainly is now. England are utterly dominant and replacement back rower Marlie Packer goes over for their fourth try.
Replacement Ceri Large converts, and it's down to the bench players to try and prove they deserve a start on Sunday in the final 10 minutes.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "Ireland centre Lynne Cantwell is a mini Trojan - what she lacks in height she makes up in spirit. So like Lynne to walk off the pitch rather than be carried off."
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Ireland 7-26 England
England have taken off captain Katy Mclean, with Ceri Large coming on at 10. They're thinking job done, and it's hard to argue.
Three times in a row they have fallen at the final hurdle, humbled by New Zealand, but thanks to Ireland there's no Black Ferns standing in their way now...
Fourth time lucky for the Red Roses? Looks like we'll find out next Sunday.
England tight-head Sophie Hemming is forced off after taking an accidental knee to the face.
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Ireland 7-26 England
Nasty moment as Ireland centre Lynne Cantwell looks to be knocked out as she tackles the powerful Emily Scarratt, but the medics are on quickly and she is quickly back on her feet - she'll head to the sidelines though, no playing on from that.
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Tom Rowse: Great to see the England girls pulling Ireland apart. Got to be favourites for the cup now. Impressive.
Post update
Ireland 7-26 England
...England counter from their own 22, Kay Wilson makes 50m down the left wing and England scent a try.
They try to hammer over from close range but are held up - scrum England.
They go again but winger Kay Wilson is tackled just short as England fizz the ball wide, and a knock-on at the breakdown gives Ireland a put-in at a scrum.
Post update
Ireland 7-26 England
Ireland might be out-gunned but there's one thing they do very well indeed - the driving maul from the line-out.
They finally establish a position in the England 22 and the Red Roses can only stop the first drive the first time by infringing, but on their second attempt they lose the ball and alarm bells start ringing right across the park...
TRY (Wilson, missed con Scarratt)
Ireland 7-26 England
This time the Ireland scrum holds firm, but it's not just England's forwards looking threatening.
When the pack gives the backs the ball, captain and fly-half Katy Mclean fizzes an inviting pass to Kay Wilson and the Bristol wing finishes in style in the corner despite despairing Irish cover.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what England are trying to do. They are playing for scrum time and Sarah Hunter's football skills at the back of the scrum are world class."
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Ireland 7-21 England
England's scrum barging its way forward like its the Boxing Day sales. Ireland's pack has no answer and after being driven back 15m are penalised.
England, gimlet-eyed and eyeing a bargain, pack down again. They want a try here...
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Ireland 7-21 England
The ball squirms out of England flanker Maggie Alphonsi's grasp and Ireland mount their first attack for some time, but Alison Miller is brought down as she tries to round Kat Merchant.
The Ireland winger holds on in desperation as she waits for support but the England defence swarm over her like hyenas on a carcass and it's a penalty to the Red Roses.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "England created great momentum in the last five minutes of the first half and have taken it into the second half. They are trying to snuff out any sort of a positivity from Ireland."
PENALTY (Scarratt)
Ireland 7-21 England
Classy move, Ireland infringe and England look set to extend their lead as they are awarded a penalty.
Inside-centre Rachael Burford dummies a return pass to Katy Mclean and instead cuts through the Ireland midfield defence and draws Niamh Briggs before finding Emily Scarratt in support.
Lynne Cantwell times her tackle to perfection to cut down the superb Scarratt, but Ireland infringe and the Lichfield centre picks herself up to slot the penalty.
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Andrew Priestley: Behind at half-time, but I have a feeling this Irish team are going to dominate in the second half and complete a comeback.
Post update
Ireland 7-18 England
England's Joanna McGilchrist runs into Ireland second row Marie Louise Reilly with no thought of anything other than SMASHING her.
The 6ft 3in Reilly has the same plan and the shuddering collision would grace any rugby match. England looking the brighter at the start of the second 40.
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Ireland 7-18 England
We're back. Five finals in a row for England, or an Irish fightback to secure their first ever appearance?
Post update
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "I don't think the score reflects the game. Ireland have been left a bit skinny out wide. Emily Scarratt has utilised the space the Irish have left and she has been involved in some of England's opportunities. Ireland will be taking all the positives - they had a moment when they had 15-16 phases without an error. They truly believe if they graft they will get the points."
HALF-TIME
Ireland 7-18 England
A half of two halves perhaps.
Ireland were superb for the first 20 minutes, ruling the line-out, smashing England back in the tackle and hugely effective at the breakdown.
They fully deserved to score the game's first try, but has the Irish storm blown itself out?
The last 20 was all England as their pack munched Ireland in the scrum and, with a good supply of possession to play with, England's power, pace and class across the pitch began to tell.
Emily Scarratt looked a class apart and Ireland will need all their renowned grit and determination if they are to turn this match round and prevent England reaching a fifth final in a row.
PENALTY (Scarratt)
Ireland 7-18 England
Emily Scarratt is a real threat and once again an incisive intervention from the 5ft 11in outside centre bears dividends.
She bursts through midfield on a flat pass, Ireland infringe and she will go for goal again.
The 24-year-old strokes the kick straight down the middle and all of a sudden England look in total control.
Post update
Ireland 7-15 England
That was Kat Merchant's 44th try in 57 appearances.
Meanwhile, Niamh Briggs sends a penalty over the dead-ball line, rather than into the corner. Big let-off for England who win the scrum and clear.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "It was a great try and great execution from Kat Merchant. Great to see the bench warming up and then jumping for joy when Kat went over."
TRY (Merchant, con Scarratt)
Ireland 7-15 England
Katy Mclean's lovely pass finds Emily Scarratt and a gliding 50m break by the long-striding centre takes England to within five metres.
England recycle, skip it down the line and Kat Merchant has the pace and power to round Alison Miller and score in the corner.
Up steps Scarratt and over goes the very difficult conversion. Fine rugby all round.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: It's quite clear this will go down to the wire.
PENALTY (Scarratt)
Ireland 7-8 England
Yum, yum, the England props love marmalise sandwiches.
Once again they devour the Ireland pack and this time it's a penalty.
Up steps Emily Scarratt and this time she makes no mistake - England lead for the first time in the match.
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Graeme Rankin: Come on Ireland beat the English please
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Ireland 7-5 England
England marmalise Ireland at a scrum but when Alex Matthews takes the ball into contact she is held up by the ferocious Irish defence - it's a turnover, but that means another scrum...
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Ireland 7-5 England
Try scorer Rochelle Clark, 33, now has 20 international tries- not bad for a prop. She's also England's second-most capped player - this is her 94th cap.
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Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "An almost identical score as the Irish. It was great pressure from England - they kept their phases. Clark will be so stoked having scored in the semi-final."
TRY (Clark, missed con Scarratt)
Ireland 7-5 England
England do to Ireland what the Irish did to them. Ireland manage to halt the initial drive but England keep it in the forwards and come again.
Maggie Alphonsi is driven back for the second time in the match - that doesn't happen often - but the pressure finally tells as prop Rochelle 'Rocky' Clark burrows over.
Emily Scarratt cannot convert a tricky kick, so Ireland lead by two.
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Ireland 7-0 England
Superb Irish defence - bodies flying into contact all across the pitch - but although they hold out it's throw to England five metres out.
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Ireland 7-0 England
Here come England as full-back Danielle Waterman embarks on a swerving 40m run to ger England into the Irish 22, but a couple of phases later she loses the ball 10m from the line and Ireland clear.
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Toniwater: The GIG play a lot like Leinster do, hard phases & they usually pay off & have now!! Great stuff girls! Foot to the floor now!
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "You could not clearly see the ball was over the line, but you can't argue with the ref. Credit to Ireland though - they had lots of possession. It was a great kick from Niamh Briggs for the conversion."
TRY (try Miller, con Briggs)
Ireland 7-0 England
Ireland win the line-out and launch a churning drive - hard to see the ball but they're over the line and claiming the try!
It was a tremendous drive - good low body positions, nice shift of the ball to get the drive going, but the ref says she cannot see the ball...
And the TMO says it is a try! The ref asked if there was any reason she could not award the try, and the TMO saw nothing to prevent it being awarded.
I'll be honest, it was hard to see who scored that but I'm pretty sure it was a forward in green. Yeah. Niamh Briggs strokes over the conversion, what a start for the Irish.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Big second row Sophie Spence is prominent for Ireland as they come in waves after a half-break from outside centre Lynne Cantwell.
They are a metre out and it's a penalty advantage...
Spence gets her hands on the ball once again and tries to drive over but is stopped inches short - the Irish kick the penalty into the corner.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Ireland are making a right mess of the England line-out - Irish second rows Sophie Spence and Marie Louise Reilly have had aerial supremacy through the tournament.
But England have had the better of the scrums, and a forward pass means Ireland have the put-in at another engagement...
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "Both teams are playing rugby, playing positively and want to get into each other's half by playing hard phases."
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Ireland 0-0 England
Glimmer of a chance for England but Emily Scarratt holds on with Kay Wilson potentially free outside her.
When Ireland counter there are huge oohs and aahs as Sophie Spence thunders into Rochelle Clarke but the Irish attack comes to an end as England 10 Katy Mclean gets over the ball at a ruck to win the penalty.
Bright start from both sides.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Big drive from England at the first scrum wins the ball back and they spin it left and right, but a spilled pass inside the Irish 22 brings the attack to a halt.
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BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Former England scrum-half Amy Turner: "It was a strange start from England - there was no communication from the kick off. England need to be tight and clinical in every part of the game."
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Ireland 0-0 England
Good drive from the English forwards into midfield but the Irish get out the choke tackle so beloved of the Irish men and it's a turnover - scrum Ireland on the English 10m line, centre field.
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Ireland 0-0 England
Here we go then, Niamh Briggs to get things under way for Ireland...
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Lloyd Hamilton: Will be paying attention to this game from Berlin. Have to fancy Ireland to win after such a strong showing against All Blacks!
Black Ferns Lloyd, the New Zealand women are called the Black Ferns. The NZ basketball team is called the Tall Blacks btw.
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Ireland field the same XV that stunned New Zealand earlier in the tournament, while England have made six changes from the XV that drew with Canada, including the return of captain Katy Mclean at fly-half.
Centre Emily Scarratt, a classy distributor who also kicks the goals and stands 5ft 11in, could well have a big impact on today's match.
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Ireland rely a great deal on full-back Niamh Briggs, goal-kicker, counter-attacker and brick wall defender.
Her opposite number is Danielle Waterman, less impressive with the boot but just as incisive on the attack.
TEAM NEWS RECAP
England: Waterman (Bristol); Merchant (Worcester), Scarratt (Lichfield), Burford (Thurrock), Wilson (Bristol); Mclean (Darlington MP, capt), Mason (Wasps); Clark (Worcester), Fleetwood (Lichfield), Hemming (Bristol); Taylor (Darlington MP), McGilchrist (Wasps); Matthews (Richmond), Alphonsi (Saracens), Hunter (Lichfield).
Replacements: Croker, Essex, Allen (all Richmond), Keates, Large (Worcester), Packer (Wasps), Hunt (Lichfield).
Ireland: Briggs (Munster); Baxter (Ulster), Cantwell (Richmond), Davitt (Ulster), Miller (Connacht); Stapleton (Leinster), Rosser (Leinster); Coghlan (Leinster, capt), Bourke (Munster), Egan (Leinster); Spence (Leinster), Reilly (Leinster); Fitzpatrick (Leinster), Molloy (Connacht), O'Brien (Munster).
Replacements: Lynch, Murphy (both Leinster), Hayes, Fleming, Guest (Munster), Muldoon (Bristol), Casey (Saracens).
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IRB Women's Rugby: Warm-ups ahead of their first ever World Cup semi-final. Can @IrishRugby get through to the finals?
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International Rugby Board Women's Development Manager Susan Carty: "We're seeing compelling, exciting rugby. I think that's what capturing the imagination of the general public.
"New Zealand have been really strong performers and consistent winners of this particular tournament. They have now been knocked out and we are going to have a new name on the trophy on Sunday. We're excited to see what name that is going to be."
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So today we're at the Stade Jean-Bouin (pictured earlier this afternoon), home of flamboyant top-flight Parisian side Stade Francais - they of the pink, flowery shirts of a few years ago and the Les Dieux de Stade calendars for those who appreciate the athletic form.
Recently redeveloped, it's sold out for the semi-finals, although how many fans will just turn up to see the France game later on remains to be seen.
Either way the tournament's been considered a rousing success so far, and I'd imagine a France v England final would be well received.
Although not by the Irish obviously...
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England full-back Danielle Waterman: "Ireland are in really good form. They've had a good build-up over the last two to three years having won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013.
"As much as they've improved, so have we. We didn't get quite get the technical details right against Canada but we know we can go one step further in terms of our performance."
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But, no matter that England lacked sharpness against the Canadians, they have reached the last three finals and have class and experience throughout their side.
Flanker Maggie 'the Machine' Alphonsi used to dominate the headlines but they now have weaponry across the team and if they click, they will expect to be too good for the Irish and reach a fourth consecutive final.
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England wing Kat Merchant (right) found time for a selfie with fly-half Ceri Large (left) and prop Rochelle Clark.
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In other news, New Zealand have thrashed Wales 63-7 in their match, so the departing world champions will take part in the fifth-sixth play-off match, with Wales in the game that will decide seventh and eighth.
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History dictates Ireland will be underdogs tonight, but on form they look at least the equals of England, who only topped their group on points difference from Canada after their 13-13 draw.
England looked some way short of their best against the Canadians, who matched them for power up front and looked more threatening when they went wide.
England's attacking intent was undermined by a series of poor passes and dropped balls - they'll need to cut that out if they want to keep Ireland quiet.
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England women's football captain Stephanie Houghton: "Wishing all at @EnglandRugby the best of luck in the semi-final of the #WorldCup2014
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Ireland captain Fiona Coughlan tells RTE: "We weren't happy with our performance against England at Twickenham in the Six Nations this year - although I know it was only a 17-10 loss. There were areas that we weren't happy with and at times we lacked concentration. They've come up trumps in the past but we'll be looking to put that right."
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Ireland served notice of their improvement when they won the 2013 Six Nations Championship - albeit England were fielding a weakened team in an unsuccessful bid to focus on the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
And although they lost to the Red Roses in the 2014 Six Nations it was a hard fought encounter at Twickenham, with England only edging it 17-10.
The 2014 Championship was won by World Cup hosts France, who play Canada in the second semi-final at Stade Francais' Jean Bouin Stadium.
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BBC Sport's Sara Orchard in Paris: "With a capacity of 20,000, the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris is sold out for the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals. New Zealand's shock exit means there will be a different name on the trophy for the first time since 1994 come the final on Sunday."
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Ireland full-back Niamh Briggs on RTE: "Not many gave us a chance against New Zealand. What it did for us is that we showed we can adapt to any game - it shows we can take it to the next level."
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So what of Ireland, sudden slayers of giants and World Cup semi-finalists for the first time?
With a previous best finish of seventh (in both 2010 and 1994) the side from the Emerald Isle - which, like their men's team, is a combined Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland team - would not seem to have the pedigree to worry either England or New Zealand.
But coach Philip Doyle - who will quit at the end of the tournament - has moulded them into a tigerish team and in goal-kicking full-back Niamh Briggs, one of four nominees for the IRB Player of the Year award, they have one of the world's outstanding players.
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New Zealand's Black Ferns were the standard by which others were measured.
Even more dominant than their male counterparts - the All Blacks are the reigning world champions and are currently on a record-equalling 17-Test winning run - the Black Ferns had won four World Cups in a row.
They might have lost the odd recent Test to England but heading into their pool game with Ireland, New Zealand had not lost a World Cup match since their semi-final defeat by the United States in the last four in 1991.
Eighty minutes later Ireland had won 17-14 and New Zealand's hope of becoming quintuple world champions were over.
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Lord Mayor of Dublin: "Best of luck to the Irish Women's Rugby Team tonight in the @irbwomens World Cup #WRWC2014 #COYGIG We're all behind you!"
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England replacement fly-half Ceri Large: "Prep done. Ready to go! Almost time to face Ireland in the semis!"
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The last World Cup final, which saw New Zealand beat England for the third time in a row, was a superb game of rugby, but those two teams were head and shoulders above the rest in 2010.
France 2014 has proved that where there were once two, now there are five or six teams who can mix it at the top table.
And for proof, look no further than the absence of four-time reigning champions New Zealand, beaten up in the pool stages by Ireland.
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While it has been accepted for some time that the "traditionally male" team sports of football and cricket - the latter albeit with a narrower playing pool - are undoubtedly high class at the top level, rugby union has been slower to hit the heights.
That is, until now.
Yes, there will be teachers, plumbers, police officers and vets on the pitch, but there will also be 30 superb rugby players. We could be in for a treat.
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You thought top class rugby was over for the summer? Well think again.
Big hits, booming kicks and silky skills are your thing? No problem, we've got you covered. Prefer rolling mauls and ferocious jackal-ing at the ruck? Don't worry, there will be plenty of that too.
Ireland v England in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals - proper rugby.
TEAM NEWS
England: Waterman (Bristol); Merchant (Worcester), Scarratt (Lichfield), Burford (Thurrock), Wilson (Bristol); Mclean (Darlington MP, capt), Mason (Wasps); Clark (Worcester), Fleetwood (Lichfield), Hemming (Bristol); Taylor (Darlington MP), McGilchrist (Wasps); Matthews (Richmond), Alphonsi (Saracens), Hunter (Lichfield).
Replacements: Croker, Essex, Allen (all Richmond), Keates, Large (Worcester), Packer (Wasps), Hunt (Lichfield).
Ireland: Briggs (Munster); Baxter (Ulster), Cantwell (Richmond), Davitt (Ulster), Miller (Connacht); Stapleton (Leinster), Rosser (Leinster); Coghlan (Leinster, capt), Bourke (Munster), Egan (Leinster); Spence (Leinster), Reilly (Leinster); Fitzpatrick (Leinster), Molloy (Connacht), O'Brien (Munster).
Replacements: Lynch, Murphy (both Leinster), Hayes, Fleming, Guest (Munster), Muldoon (Bristol), Casey (Saracens).