Women's Rugby World Cup: Round 2 Preview - England chase Australia for Pool A top spot

spectacle often associated with France, but it was a statement of discipline, control, and tactical nous. The result marked a historic shutout against Italy, for France's biggest margin of victory against their Six Nations rivals.

England got the Women's Rugby World Cup underway this past Friday, as the Red Roses pulled no punches from their 11-try win over the USA which ended 69-7 at the Stadium of Light. However, Australia leapfrogged England to take the top spot in Pool A, following their emphatic 72-0 win over Samoa. The opening weekend also brought about victories for Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and France, as the pools start to take shape ahead of the second weekend of matches.

Canada and Wales clash at the Salford Community Stadium in what promises to be a compelling Pool B showdown. The Maple Leafs made a statement against Fiji, running in 65 points and watching Julia Schell produce a second-half blitz of six tries in 23 minutes. Captain Sophie de Goede continues to marshal a confident and disciplined pack, opening the scoring and slotting five conversions while setting the tone across the park.

With McKinley Hunt and Emily Tuttosi promoted to the starting XV and Asia Hogan-Rochester set for her World Cup debut, Canada’s forward power and backline flair look sharper than ever. Tyson Beukeboom will also reach her 80th cap, equalling the national record in Canadian colours.

Wales arrive eager to rebound from a 38–8 defeat to Scotland, with head coach Sean Lynn making seven changes. Flanker Bethan Lewis takes the armband for her 60th cap, leading a reconfigured front row of Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, and Sisilia Tuipulotu. Young back-row Branwen Metcalfe could make her Test debut from the bench, adding youthful energy. Francesca McGhie remains Wales’ attacking spark.

Scotland return to Salford Community Stadium for their Pool B clash with Fiji, aiming to build on a statement-making 38–8 opening win over Wales. Bryan Easson’s side looked electric last weekend, with Francesca McGhie lighting up the wing with a rapid-fire hat-trick, while Evie Gallagher and Emma Orr provided power and polish in the forwards and finishers’ roles. McGhie, back on her familiar left wing alongside Rhona Lloyd, will be eager to extend her tally as Scotland aim to maintain their momentum.

The front row sees a lone change, with Elis Martin earning her first Rugby World Cup start at hooker, flanked by Leah Bartlett and Elliann Clarke. Rachel Malcolm leads the pack from blindside, with Rachel McLachlan at openside and Gallagher anchoring the back of the scrum. Fiji arrive reeling from a bruising 65–7 defeat to Canada, though the Fijiana showed flashes of promise before full-back Julia Schell’s six-try blitz. The loss of Ilisapeci Delaiwau to injury is a significant blow, but young talent Repeka Mata offers fresh legs and enthusiasm on the wing.

England’s Red Roses head to Franklin’s Gardens brimming with confidence after a statement 69–7 win over the USA. From Sadia Kabeya’s opening maul try to Ellie Kildunne’s dazzling brace and incisive playmaking, the Roses showcased a blend of forward power and expansive flair that few teams can match. Abby Dow, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir’s contributions underlined a bench that hits just as hard as the starters, while Zoe Harrison’s boot ensured relentless scoreboard pressure.

Samoa arrive bruised and depleted. The Wallaroos’ 73–0 mauling exposed defensive frailties, and red-carded back-rower Melina Salale will miss the match due to suspension. Australia’s dominance, amplified by Desiree Miller’s hat-trick and relentless forward power from Chancellor and Patu, highlighted Samoa’s struggles under high-intensity opposition. With both sides aware of Pool A’s top spot, England must combine their structured, forward-led dominance with creativity in wide channels to break down a Samoan side, likely to pack the defensive line and look for turnovers.

The USA face a monumental task on Saturday as they take on a Wallaroos side fresh from a record-breaking 73–0 demolition of Samoa. Australia’s opening performance was a masterclass in intensity and precision, as Desiree Miller’s hat-trick electrified the first half, while forward powerhouses Emily Chancellor and Liz Patu bulldozed the set-piece to perfection. Samantha Wood’s kicking and the finishing prowess of Cecilia Smith and Adiana Talakai ensured the scoreboard told a story of ruthless dominance.

For the Eagles, the first round exposed defensive vulnerabilities but also flashes of individual brilliance, most notably Erica Jarell-Searcy’s solo try against England. Good news for USA fans: Ilona Maher has confirmed she has no plans to join the WWE, and will instead focus fully on her World Cup campaign.

Ireland return to Women’s Rugby World Cup action in style, fresh from a commanding 42–14 victory over Japan. After eight years away, the Emerald Islanders wasted no time stamping authority on Pool C, racing to a 28–7 half-time lead thanks to early scores from Amee-Leigh Costigan, Neve Jones, and Beibhinn Parsons, with Fiona Tuite securing the bonus-point try. Fly-half Dannah O’Brien’s flawless kicking kept the scoreboard ticking and maintained Ireland’s momentum.

Spain's opening tournament match was a clash with the defending World Champions, as the Black Ferns ran out a clinic of attacking dominance in York's Community Stadium. Spain struggled to match the New Zealand intensity at the gain-line, with the Black Ferns able to carve lines through the Iberian side, even after dropping down to 13 players following a series of injuries.

The Black Ferns return to action after their statement making 54–8 demolition of Spain, and they’ll bring that same relentless intensity to face Japan in Pool C. Even when reduced to 13 players through injury, New Zealand ran in eight tries, to remind the likes of England, Canada and France as to why the defending champions are still the team to beat.

Sevens star turned back row battler Jorja Miller dazzled on her Women's Rugby World Cup debut, crossing for two tries and leaving defenders grasping at air. Number eight Liana Mikaele-Tu’u powered over for another highlight score, as Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, returned from international retirement to add her 21st World Cup try.

Ayesha Leti-I’iga’s fluid running terrorised defences across both wings, with Georgia Ponsonby and centre Theresa Setefano also leaving their mark on Spain. Japan, fresh from a tough loss to Ireland, will bring determination and discipline to counter New Zealand’s high-flying threats across the back-line threat. Expect fast ball, probing kicks, and physical collisions from the Brave Blossoms as they aim to test the champions’ resolve.

South Africa march on through Pool D with momentum, after a commanding 66–6 thrashing of tournament debutants Brazil. Aseza Hele’s hat-trick and Ayanda Malinga’s incisive runs showcased the physical power and clinical precision of the Springbok Women, who are eager to make their mark on the global stage. Fly-half Dolf’s perfect kicking ensured the scoreboard reflected South Africa’s dominance, while Ngwevu, Roos, Makua, and Janse van Rensburg added to a relentless barrage of tries.

Italy, meanwhile, endured a tough defeat to their Six Nations rivals to commence their campaign, as the Azzurri fell 24–0 to France in a bruising encounter, where defensive grit defined the game. Despite the loss, Italy’s players impressed with discipline and resilience to hold firm for the most part, with Alyssa D’Inca and Sofia Stefan consistently thwarting French strike moves.

Closing out the action for week two of the Women's Rugby World Cup, France head into their second Pool D clash full of confidence after a hard-fought 24–0 win over Italy. Les Bleues showed patience to grind down a stubborn Italian defence through set-piece dominance and bruising forward play.

Joanna Grisez’s late first-half try broke the deadlock, while Assia Khalfaoui and Charlotte Escudero added decisive second-half scores, with Morgane Bourgeois keeping the scoreboard ticking off the tee. This was not the free-flowing 'jouer'

Brazil arrive in Exeter with lessons learned from their World Cup debut defeat to South Africa, 66–6, but undimmed in their fiery spirit. The Furies’ bravery and resilience made an impression, with Raquel Kochhann’s penalties bagging Brazil's first ever tournament points. South Africa’s clinical finishing and Aseza Hele’s hat-trick emphasised the gulf in experience, but Brazil’s 168 tackles and fearless commitment underline a team capable of inspiring a new generation back home.