Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Five talking points from opening weekend

Big-hitters England, Canada and New Zealand all started with huge wins.

Hosts and favourites England scored 11 tries to beat Ilona Maher’s United States 69-7 in the tournament’s opener on Friday night.

After singer Anne-Marie shone in the opening ceremony, world player of the year Kildunne stood out on the pitch.

She produced the moment of the match by kicking the ball – like an England Lioness – through USA full-back Bulou Mataitoga’s legs on her way to a superb solo try.

Prop forward Hannah Botterman also starred as England produced a statement win.

Even so, there was still a sense of more to come, with head coach John Mitchell insisting England “will get better” and be even more clinical.

That’s a scary thought for the other teams in the tournament, especially the Red Roses’ next opponents Samoa, who they face on Saturday (17:00 BST).

World number two side Canada were equally impressive as they thrashed Fiji 65-7 with winger Schell scoring a staggering six tries in the second half.

After the match Schell said a supporter had bet her $200 she wouldn’t score. “I need to go and speak to him,” she said.

Holders New Zealand swept past Spain 54-8 despite playing the final quarter of their match with only 13 players.

World Cup record try-scorer Woodman-Wickliffe went over for the 21st time in the competition, while 21-year-old flanker Jorja Miller crossed twice to confirm her status as a superstar in the making.

Three-time semi-finalists Australia, who are in England’s pool, walloped Samoa 73-0 for the biggest World Cup win in their history, hinting that the Wallaroos could be contenders this year.