Pool A Preview
England are the clear favorites to top their pool and win the tournament as hosts, thanks to their dominant form. Since losing the 2022 World Cup final, they’ve been unstoppable—claiming a seventh straight Six Nations title in April while racking up 256 points in five matches.
However, they were just as ruthless before the last two World Cups, only to fall short in both finals against New Zealand. Whether they can finally clear that final hurdle remains to be seen, but their pool-stage dominance is almost guaranteed.
The Red Roses, ranked No. 1 by a significant margin, have never lost a World Cup pool match since the tournament began in 1991. Their only slip was a 13-13 draw against Canada in 2014—the same year they went on to lift the trophy.
Australia, the USA, and Samoa will all try to pull off an upset, but barring a major shock, they’ll likely be battling for second place behind England.
Australia, ranked sixth, are expected to advance alongside the hosts. The Wallaroos have only reached one World Cup semi-final (2010) but have shown recent improvement.
The USA, meanwhile, have strengthened their squad with former sevens stars, including Ilona Maher—the most-followed rugby player on social media. The dynamic center joined Bristol Bears in January and has quickly made her mark.
Maher’s presence has drawn big crowds—their warm-up match against Canada in Ottawa attracted 11,453 fans, a record for a standalone women’s game in North America. Other key players include center Alev Kelter, a proven game-changer, and captain Kate Zackary, a leader in the back row.
Australia and the USA have a growing rivalry, having faced off in the Pacific Four Series. The Wallaroos won 27-19 in May, but the Americans will be eager for revenge when they meet again in York on August 30—a match that could decide who advances to the quarter-finals.
Samoa, the lowest-ranked team in the pool, face a tough challenge. They’ve never reached the knockout stages, and while progression seems unlikely, even a single upset would be a major achievement.
### Key Players to Watch
England
– Captain: Zoe Aldcroft
– Key Player: Aldcroft is a rock for England—she was the only player to start every Six Nations match this year. A force at the breakdown and in open play, her try against Scotland showed just how dangerous she can be.
Australia
– Captain: Siokapesi Palu
– Key Player: No. 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra has quickly become a standout since her 2023 debut. A workhorse who also delivers big moments, she scored twice against Wales in August.
USA
– Captain: Kate Zackary
– Key Player: Ilona Maher brings flair and star power, while Alev Kelter is a game-changing presence in midfield.
Samoa will need something special to make an impact, but for England, the real test will be whether they can finally turn dominance into World Cup glory.Captain: Kate Zackary
Key player: Alev Kelter
Kelter had a standout college career in both ice hockey and soccer, even competing internationally at youth levels in both sports. She switched to rugby when her hopes of making the U.S. Olympic team for Sochi faded. A graduate in sculpture and glassblowing, she became the first American woman to score a try in Olympic rugby sevens and has built a strong reputation playing for Loughborough Lightning in England. As a center, she excels at finding gaps and breaking defensive lines at both club and international levels. However, she was sent off in a Pacific Four match against Australia in May for stamping.
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Samoa
World ranking: 15
Coach: Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino
Captain: Sua Pauaraisa
Key player: Sua Pauaraisa
All 32 players in Samoa’s squad are making their World Cup debuts, but they’re led by the experienced Masuisuimatamaalii (Sua) Tauaua Pauaraisa, who has also played sevens and rugby league. She’s excited to guide Samoa in their first World Cup since 2014, saying: “I’m honored to lead this passionate team, and we’ll give everything to represent our beloved country.”
Fixtures:
– England v USA – Fri 22 Aug, 7:30pm, Sunderland
– Australia v Samoa – Sat 23 Aug, noon, Salford
– England v Samoa – Sat 30 Aug, 5pm, Northampton
– USA v Australia – Sat 30 Aug, 7:30pm, York
– USA v Samoa – Sat 6 Sep, 1:30pm, York
– England v Australia – Sat 6 Sep, 5pm, Brighton
Photo: Cassie Siataga of Samoa on the attack against the Netherlands at WXV 3 in 2024.
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### Pool B
Canada are the tournament’s dark horses, quietly building strong form and capable of winning their first World Cup. England’s Jess Breach, who has never lost an international match, admitted she feared defeat for the first time during their WXV clash with Canada last October—though England fought back to win 21-12. Canada also impressed in the Pacific Four Series, beating the U.S. and Australia and drawing 27-27 with New Zealand.
A 42-10 warm-up win over the U.S. before heading to Europe shows their sharp form. They’re also gaining financial support, with Rugby Canada’s “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025” fundraising campaign nearing its C$1 million goal to close the budget gap with rivals. They’re expected to top the pool, with Scotland or Wales likely taking the second knockout spot.
Wales finished last in the Six Nations again but showed promise with a 21-12 win over Australia in Brisbane—though they later lost 36-5 in Sydney. Off-field contract disputes nearly led to their withdrawal, but the issue has been resolved. New coach Sean Lynn, who led Gloucester-Hartpury to three straight English league titles, starts their campaign against familiar rivals Scotland.
At the last World Cup, a last-minute Keira Bevan penalty gave Wales a win over Scotland, setting them on course for the quarter-finals. This time, Scotland are favorites, but their matches remain tight—like their 24-21 Six Nations victory earlier this year.
Scotland’s head coach, Bryan Easson, will step down after the tournament after five years in charge, calling the role “the greatest honor of my coaching career.” Captain Rachel Malcolm, meanwhile, has been a vocal leader for the team.
Photo: Canada’s Florence Symonds celebrates a try with teammates against the U.S. in August.Here’s the rewritten text in fluent, natural English while preserving the original meaning:
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### Fiji
World ranking: 14
Coach: Ioan Cunningham
Captain: Alfreda Fisher
Key player: Alfreda Fisher
At just 20 years old, Fisher became Fiji’s youngest women’s captain in May during a match against Australia. Growing up in the village of Togo on the small island of Qamea, she made her 15s debut at WXV 3 in 2024 and quickly became a key player. Fiji’s head coach, Ioan Cunningham, praised her as a standout leader who sets an example for the team.
Fiji famously defeated South Africa at the last World Cup, but their recent form has been underwhelming. They managed only one win at WXV 3—against Hong Kong China—while losing to Spain and Samoa. Their best chance for a strong result will likely be against Wales, but they may struggle to avoid finishing at the bottom of their pool.
### Canada
World ranking: 2
Coach: Kévin Rouet
Captain: Alex Tessier
Key player: Sophie de Goede
A long-serving and highly skilled leader, De Goede is one of the world’s best players. The 26-year-old—who still keeps her match ticket from the 2014 final, where Canada lost to England, in her dressing table—combines quick decision-making with impressive speed, making her a crucial part of Canada’s team. Recently recovering from a serious knee injury, she may not be at peak fitness early in the tournament but remains indispensable.
### Scotland
World ranking: 8
Coach: Bryan Easson
Captain: Rachel Malcolm
Key player: Francesca McGhie
The winger is one of the fastest players in the tournament—give her an inch, and she’ll take a mile. The 22-year-old, who recently moved from Leicester Tigers to Trailfinders, made a strong impression during the Women’s Six Nations and aims to do the same in her first Rugby World Cup.
### Wales
World ranking: 9
Coach: Sean Lynn
Co-captains: Alex Callender, Kate Williams
Key player: Jasmine Joyce-Butchers
The Bristol Bears winger is a three-time Olympian with Great Britain and has also competed at the Commonwealth Games and two previous World Cups, making her one of the most experienced players in the tournament. Versatile enough to play as a full-back or winger, she has lightning speed and a strong defensive work rate. Her wife, Alisha, is also a Wales international but is missing the tournament as she is expecting their first child.
### Fixtures
– Scotland v Wales – Sat 23 Aug, 2.45pm, Salford
– Canada v Fiji – Sat 23 Aug, 5.30pm, York
– Canada v Wales – Sat 30 Aug, noon, Salford
– Scotland v Fiji – Sat 30 Aug, 2.45pm, Salford
– Canada v Scotland – Sat 6 Sep, noon, Exeter
– Wales v Fiji – Sat 6 Sep, 2.45pm, Exeter
### Pool C
Defending champions New Zealand, six-time World Cup winners, are among the favorites to lift the trophy at Twickenham and should have no trouble progressing through their pool. Their back-three options are so strong that Ruby Tui—a breakout star of their last World Cup win—didn’t even make the squad. Speedy winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who scored two tries in the 2022 final against England, is one to watch. Anything less than smooth progress to the later stages would be a major surprise.
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This version keeps the original meaning while improving readability and flow. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Ireland can take confidence from their 27-27 draw with Canada in May’s Pacific Four Series and their history of challenging New Zealand. They famously beat the Black Ferns 17-14 in the 2014 World Cup pool stage – New Zealand’s only loss in that tournament since 1991. More recently, Ireland pulled off a stunning 29-27 victory at last October’s WXV, sealed by Erin King’s 79th-minute try and Dannah O’Brien’s conversion.
However, New Zealand typically raise their game for World Cups, while Ireland have suffered setbacks with long-term injuries to King and flanker Dorothy Wall. Star player Aoife Wafer is also likely to miss the tournament’s early stages after July knee surgery, though she may return for their final pool match against New Zealand. On a positive note, Sam Monaghan has recovered from an ACL injury.
Ireland’s Six Nations campaign was inconsistent – comfortable wins over Italy and Wales, expected losses to England and France, and a surprise defeat by Scotland. Bonus points secured third place behind Europe’s top two teams.
Spain, returning to the World Cup after eight years, were thrashed 97-7 by England in an August warm-up. Both Spain and amateur side Japan are unlikely to reach the knockouts but will target each other for a potential win. While Japan appear more experienced, Spain – whose players received six-month professional contracts for tournament preparation – could surprise as they did in 2017 by beating Italy 22-8. The Spanish rugby union aims to establish full-time contracts post-tournament.
New Zealand (Ranked 3rd)
Co-captains: Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu
Key player: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The 34-year-old wing returns from retirement hoping to extend her record 20 World Cup tries (five more than men’s record-holder Bryan Habana).
Ireland (Ranked 5th)
Captain: Amee-Leigh Costigan
Key player: Costigan – The 30-year-old brings sevens experience (including the 2024 Paris Olympics) and athleticism from her junior track career. This is her first World Cup after Ireland missed 2022 qualification.
Japan (Ranked 11th)
Captain: Iroha Nagata
Key player: Nagata – The 26-year-old back-rower combines sevens experience (Asian Games gold) with two World Cup appearances and leadership from captaining at WXV 2 and on US tours.
Spain (Ranked 13th)
Captain: Laura Delgado Dueña
Key player: Cristina Blanco HerreraThe hooker recovered from her injury just in time to join Spain’s World Cup preparations, giving the team a major boost. Blanco Herrera, who plays for Trailfinders in the PWR while also working as a physiotherapist at Brunel University, excels in set pieces and has the ability to inspire her team when it matters most. Like most of her teammates, this will be her first World Cup appearance.
Fixtures:
– Ireland v Japan – Sun 24 Aug, noon, Northampton
– New Zealand v Spain – Sun 24 Aug, 5.30pm, York
– Ireland v Spain – Sun 31 Aug, noon, Northampton
– New Zealand v Japan – Sun 31 Aug, 2pm, Exeter
– Japan v Spain – Sun 7 Sep, noon, York
– New Zealand v Ireland – Sun 7 Sep, 2.45pm, Brighton
Japan’s Iroha Nagata fends off Wales’ Alex Callender during the WXV 2 in 2024.
### Pool D
France and Italy are the frontrunners to reach the quarter-finals. France will aim to top the group to avoid facing New Zealand in the last eight—assuming the Black Ferns win their pool, they would play the runner-up from this group. France also wants to make a statement to prove they have a real chance of winning their first World Cup.
Despite having world-class players, France has often fallen short of expectations. In the 2022 World Cup semi-final, they had a last-minute penalty to beat hosts New Zealand and set up a final against England, but Caroline Drouin missed the kick, and the Black Ferns won 25-24. France did bounce back by crushing Canada 36-0 in the third-place playoff.
France will be without scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus for their opener against Italy after she was suspended for criticizing refereeing standards following a club defeat with Toulouse.
Italy is the team most likely to challenge France in the pool. They reached the quarter-finals in the last World Cup (losing to France) and showed flashes of promise in this year’s Six Nations, beating Scotland in Edinburgh and Wales at home. They also put up a strong fight against France in a 34-21 loss in Parma, finishing fourth overall.
This was Fabio Roselli’s first tournament as head coach, and he’ll hope his team can build on their progress. Roselli has World Cup experience himself, having played for Italy in the 1999 men’s tournament.
Italy and France battle for a lineout in the 2025 Six Nations.
The underdogs in the group are debutants Brazil, the first South American team to qualify. Their main goal will be to stay competitive, as they’ve never faced any of their pool opponents before. Brazil only established a consistent women’s program in 2019, so reaching the World Cup so quickly is impressive. “Brazil’s participation is a historic milestone,” said Andre Chiofetti, CEO of Brazil Rugby.
Any positive result would be memorable for Brazil, with their best chance of a win coming against South Africa. However, the Springboks will be favorites in that match—they haven’t won a World Cup game since 2010, when they beat Wales 15-10.
South Africa has appeared in four World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, and 2021) but has yet to match the success of their men’s team, failing to progress past the group stage.
### France
World ranking: 4
Coaches: Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz
Co-captains: Manaé Feleu and Marine Ménager
Key player: Gabrielle Vernier – The centre works tirelessly off the ball, delivering big hits and crucial tackles. Vernier, who started playing in a boys’ team at age 10, has been one of France’s most consistent performers.Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text while keeping the original meaning:
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France
World ranking: 6
Coach: Fabio Roselli
Captain: Elisa Giordano
Key player: Beatrice Rigoni
This selection might surprise some, as the Sale Sharks centre has been out of favour since the Six Nations. However, no one can deny the experience she brings—something vital in tournament rugby. Rigoni, who studied pharmacy at university, also has the ability to produce moments of brilliance to break through defences. Even coming off the bench, the 29-year-old can change a game in an instant.
Beatrice Rigoni is capable of producing moments of brilliance. (Photo: Johan Rynners/World Rugby/Getty Images)
South Africa
World ranking: 12
Coach: Swys de Bruin
Co-captains: Nolusindiso Booi and Babalwa Latsha
Key player: Babalwa Latsha
The 31-year-old prop has been crucial for South Africa on the field and has also played a major role in advancing African women’s rugby. In 2020, she became the first professional female African player and continues to set high standards. With experience in sevens rugby, she brings speed and skill—qualities she further developed during her time at Harlequins.
Brazil
World ranking: 25
Coach: Emiliano Caffera
Captain: Eshyllen Coimbra
Key player: Edna Santini
The sevens and rugby league star is set to make history, both individually and as part of Brazil’s groundbreaking team. The 33-year-old is on track to become the first player to compete in a Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, Sevens World Series, Olympic Games, and Rugby League World Cup. Santini’s quick footwork has already been a game-changer for Brazil in multiple tournaments, and this one will be no different.
### Fixtures
– France v Italy – Sat 23 Aug, 8.15pm, Exeter
– South Africa v Brazil – Sun 24 Aug, 2.45pm, Northampton
– Italy v South Africa – Sun 31 Aug, 3.30pm, York
– France v Brazil – Sun 31 Aug, 4.45pm, Exeter
– Italy v Brazil – Sun 7 Sep, 2pm, Northampton
– France v South Africa – Sun 7 Sep, 4.45pm, Northampton
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FAQS
### **Women’s Rugby World Cup: Tournament Pools FAQ**
#### **Beginner Questions**
**1. What are pools in the Women’s Rugby World Cup?**
Pools are groups of teams that compete against each other in the early stage of the tournament. The top teams from each pool advance to the knockout rounds.
**2. How many pools are there in the Women’s Rugby World Cup?**
Typically, there are 3 or 4 pools, each containing 4 or 5 teams.
**3. How are teams assigned to pools?**
Teams are seeded based on rankings, and a draw ensures a fair mix of strong and developing teams in each pool.
**4. What happens after the pool stage?**
The top teams from each pool advance to the quarterfinals or knockout rounds.
**5. Can teams from the same pool face each other again later in the tournament?**
Yes, if they both advance, they may meet again in the knockout stages.
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#### **Intermediate Questions**
**6. How does the point system work in pool matches?**
Teams earn:
– 4 points for a win
– 2 points for a draw
– 1 bonus point for scoring 4+ tries or losing by 7 points or fewer
**7. What if two teams in a pool have the same points?**
Tiebreakers include:
1. Head-to-head result
2. Points difference
3. Total tries scored
**8. Has a lower-ranked team ever topped their pool?**
Yes! Upsets happen—for example, in past tournaments, teams like Canada and France have outperformed expectations.
**9. Do all teams play the same number of pool matches?**
Yes, each team plays every other team in their pool once.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**10. How does the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool structure compare to the men’s tournament?**
The format is similar, but the women’s tournament sometimes has fewer teams.
**11. What’s the toughest pool in recent Women’s Rugby World Cup history?**
In 2022, Pool C was called the “Pool of Death”
