Here’s your Women’s Rugby World Cup crash course in New Zealand, starting on Saturday.
A world champion is set to be crowned, as New Zealand hosts the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Originally scheduled for 2021, there’s been a five-year wait. It’s twelve countries and five continents worth of rugby talent on show.
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Back for a fourth World Cup, Aussie champ Sharni Williams leads the green and gold outfit. The veteran will be looking to lead a younger squad to glory, as the Wallaroos unearth a new generation.
The Wallaroos have never finished above third, but a maiden finals appearance looks a stretch this time around. Here’s the big picture.
The Groups
The 12 countries are divided into three pools of four teams, with the top two teams from each advancing straight into the quarter-finals. The two remaining QF spots will then be up for grabs; the third-placed finisher of each pool will compete.
Pool A has defending champs New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales.
Pool B is spicy; European Qualification tournament winners Italy, 2014 World Cup runner-up Canada, former champions USA and 2021 Asia Rugby Women’s Championship winners Japan.
Pool C will be made up of betting favourite and two-time champions England, 2017 World Cup bronze medalists France, South Africa and a finals smokie, Fiji.
Contenders
England
The 2014 World Cup champions boast the best forward pack in the tournament. Narrowly losing to the Black Ferns by nine points in the 2017 World Cup Final, they are looking for redemption. The Red Roses will be looking to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Having not lost a game since 2019, they are not looking to break that streak at the World Cup.
France
The dark horse of the competition, France keeps improving each year; defeating the Black Ferns twice last year. The French have never made the decider, but always go deep. This side is not to be written off.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew Zealand
Trying to go back-to-back, the five-time World Cup winners once again are a huge contender. While there are always World Cup surprises, New Zealand looks a lock to at least reach the Semis. It’s worth noting the Black Ferns have a new coach at the helm this time.
Australia
The Wallaroos will have no expectations on them; the first time ever going into the World Cup. Their squad varies in age, consisting of veterans like Sharni Williams and inexperienced rookies like Bienne Terita. It’s been an unusual preparation for the tournament, losing to Japan but displaying a good showing against New Zealand. They should make it out of the group stage but may find it difficult to progress deeper.
Players to Watch
Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
The top point and try scorer at the 2017 World Cup, Woodman will be looking to continue her good form. Having already won every award there is to offer and holder of multiple records, she is looking to add another title to her resume. The back was a key piece to the Black Ferns’ last World Cup win. The hosts will be counting on her to display her dominance on both sides of the field.
Bienne Terita (Australia)
Only 19 years old, Terita has already achieved so much. MVP at the 2019 World Schools Sevens, she scored two tries on her Aussie debut against the Black Ferns. Playing on the wing, she will use her speed to get around her opposition. Her quickness and ability to accelerate at a moment’s notice makes her a dangerous attacker.
Zoe Aldcroft (England)
The reigning Women’s Rugby Player of the Year is instrumental in the forward line. The lock can be seen in almost every ruck, complementing her teammates. If England is to win the World Cup, Aldcroft will need to provide her skill in every one of her games. Known as a relentless player, she never gives up carrying the ball through the middle of the ruck.
Embed from Getty ImagesSophie de Goede (Canada)
The Canadian captain has rugby in her blood, with both her parents being a part of Rugby Canada’s Hall of Fame. Even though she is a skilful player, her teammates will be looking up to her for leadership. A leader on and off the field, she will be a big reason for their success.
Three Must-See Games
Australia vs New Zealand (8 October, 5:15pm AEST)
The rivalry between the Wallaroos and Black Ferns has lasted decades. There is no better way to settle this rivalry than on the grandest stage of them all. New Zealand will have the home field and the fans behind them, while Australia playing with no expectations will look to shock the competition. The first game of the group stage for both teams, the match will set up the rest of their World Cup campaigns. No matter the result, both countries will be hoping to start off with a dominant performance.
France vs Fiji (22 October, 5:15pm AEST)
The two dark horses of the competition will go up against each other for a spot in the quarter-finals. England is also almost certain to advance to the top of the group, so this will provide only one spot for the remaining three teams to earn. Both teams play a different style of rugby, with France relying on their experience and ability to control the ruck. On the other hand, Fiji will bring innovation, creativity and flair to their game as they try to win the game through their backs. The different style of play is sure to make this a must-see game for any rugby viewer.
Canada vs USA (23 October, 1:15pm AEST)
The two North American qualifiers will go head-to-head in a blockbuster clash to close out the tournament. Earlier this year, Canada was able to walk away with a 31-point win against its continental rivals. However, on a grand stage, the USA shouldn’t be taken for granted. It somehow plays its best when the stakes are high. As the last game of the group stage, this clash could determine which country goes through to the quarter-finals.
Embed from Getty Images EmbedWhere to Watch
The tournament begins on October 8, with the opening game being South Africa vs France. The World Cup will end on November 12, with the Final deciding who are the new champions of the world. Every match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup can be watched live on Stan Sport.
