The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has reached the knockout stage, and the excitement is at a fever pitch. With the pool stage now complete, here’s a comprehensive look at the scores, standings, and who is emerging as the top contender for the coveted trophy.
Pool Stage Highlights and Key Results
The pool stage was full of high-octane action and dramatic moments. Here are some of the standout results:
England Team (Photo Courtesy of Sky Sports)
* England’s Dominance: The host nation, England, lived up to their “Red Roses” nickname. It was a showcase of their power and skill with a perfect record in Pool A. They secured convincing victories, including a 69-7 win over the USA. They also had a massive 92-3 triumph against Samoa, ultimately finishing with a perfect 15 points.
* New Zealand’s Power: Defending champions, the Black Ferns of New Zealand, also demonstrated their formidable talent in Pool C. They maintained a flawless record, with key wins against Ireland (40-0) and Japan (62-19). They secured their place at the top of their group.
* Canada’s Unbeaten Run: Canada finished the pool stage with a 3-0 record in Pool B. They had impressive wins over Wales (42-0) and Scotland (40-19). They have established themselves as a strong contender and will be a tough opponent in the knockout rounds.
France Team (Photo Courtesy of Reuters)
* France’s Statement: France was dominant in Pool D, scoring 165 points and conceding only 15. A resounding 84-5 victory against Brazil and a 57-10 win over South Africa highlighted their attacking prowess.
* A Historic Quarter-Final Spot: A historic moment unfolded for South Africa in Pool D. A hard-fought victory against Italy (29-24) secured them a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
* USA’s Big Win: The USA Women’s Eagles secured a massive 60-0 win over Samoa. It keeps their hopes of a quarter-final place alive by showing their determination.
USA Team (Photo Courtesy of World Rugby)
Quarter-Final Matchups and Knockout Schedule
With the pool stage complete, the tournament now enters the high-stakes quarter-finals. The matchups are set, and the road to the final is clear:
* Quarter-final 1: New Zealand vs. South Africa
* Quarter-final 2: Canada vs. Australia
* Quarter-final 3: France vs. Ireland
* Quarter-final 4: England vs. Scotland
The winners of New Zealand/South Africa and Canada/Australia will face off in the first semi-final. Also, the winners of France/Ireland and England/Scotland will compete in the second.
Who’s Closest to Winning the Trophy?
Based on their dominant performance in the pool stage and their world ranking, a few teams have emerged as the clear favorites to lift the trophy on September 27th.
* England: As the host nation and the number one ranked team in the world, England is the overwhelming favorite. They have been in sensational form, winning 60 of their last 61 matches, including a recent Six Nations Grand Slam. Their powerful offense and solid defense make them the team to beat.
* New Zealand: The reigning champions, New Zealand’s Black Ferns, are a proven tournament team. Despite a period of transition, they have shown their class and are a serious threat to anyone they play. They are considered the second-strongest contender after England.
* Canada: Canada has made a significant leap in recent years and has proven their mettle in this tournament. Their unbeaten run and physicality make them a dangerous “dark horse” who could easily go all the way.
* France: France, with their strong attack and solid ranking, are also in the mix. They are a well-drilled unit capable of challenging the top teams and could cause an upset in the knockout rounds.
While England and New Zealand are the most likely to contest the final, the knockout stage is known for its unpredictability. One wrong move could send any team home, and the pursuit of the trophy is wide open. Fans can expect thrilling matches as these teams battle for a spot in rugby history.
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Viorica Bruni Editor Athletica Sports Web Publication
