Pool A
Red Roses flex their depth against Samoa
England 92 vs 3 Samoa
John Mitchell made 13 changes to the side that swept aside the USA last Friday night but it didn't make much difference as England dominated from start to finish. Meg Jones got the first score in the third minute and England's barrage continued until the break by which point the score was 47-0. The 10 minutes after half-time, however, was very different.The decision to switch tighthead props towards the end of the first half paid dividends quickly as Samoa's scrum was stabilised after a brutal start. They were able to win a penalty in England's half and convert it in the 44th minute to earn their first points of the tournament which were cheered by English fans, as well as the Samoans in Franklin's Gardens. After that blip, England stabilised through the calm play of Helena Rowland and got themselves back in charge with quick tries from Kelsey Clifford and Jess Breach who scored a hat-trick.
Samoa will walk away from this game with their heads held high after some big performances, particularly from Vatau at fly half who carried like a number 8 as well as kicking the much-celebrated penalty. It was an incredible atmosphere of appreciation for both sides and respect for how Samoa played and their journey to get to this tournament. Samoa's head coach gave an incredibly emotional answer in a post-match press conference where he explained the sacrifices that his players have made and thanked the hosts for the reception that they gave his players. It was a great day for rugby and one that will be remembered more for its atmosphere than for its score.
As for England, many changes will likely be made for the Australia game but this was another successful day at their home World Cup and the performance of Helena Rowland will give massive comfort to the side heading into some much tougher fixtures.
Match of the Tournament
Usa 31 vs 31 Australia
As the heading suggests, this was by far the best game so far. Both of these teams knew that this game was going to be crucial and they played like it. It was a battle between Australia's pace out wide and the USA's powerful game and pick-and-go tactics that were reminiscent of the Exeter Chiefs at their Champion's Cup-winning best. This was intense from the start with Australia coming out on top in a tightly-contested first half. The prolific Desiree Miller got the scoring underway inside ten minutes and continued to threaten down the left wing throughout the match, scoring her second try in the 54th minute. The Usa's only try in the first half was scored by Tafuna who went onto score a hat-trick in the second half.
Australia led 26-17 on the hour mark but the USA worked their way back into the game through turnovers from Ilhona Maher before pulling the game back to 26-24 on the 68th minute before scoring again just 3 minutes later to lead 31-26. Australia then equalised in the 72nd minute but missed the conversion which would've given the Wallaroos the lead. Both sides then had chances to threaten in the final minutes but neither could get into drop-goal range. Australia's sloppy passing caused them to lose territory which then led them to kick the ball deep into the USA half. Finding herself in a tricky position, Sharp took the safe option of kicking the ball out to keep the USA in the competition for at least another week.
Progression will now be decided by points difference which currently favours the Australians with a points difference of 73 compared to the USA's -62. However, Australia's final game is against England and the USA will play Samoa so things could change drastically next week. If one thing's for sure, there will be plenty of drama in this pool next weekend.
Pool B
Welsh attack falters once again
Canada 42 vs 0 Wales
Canada were dominant once again and continued to impress in this World Cup as many people's biggest challenger to England. After the first 10 minutes, which Wales dominated without making it count, Canada took charge of proceedings and the game was practically over before half-time. McKinley Hunt scored twice as Canada made their physical presence known by going through the heart of the Welsh defence repeatedly. Sophie de Goede impressed with her overall play and kicked all conversions successfully in an impressive display.
As for Wales, this game unfortunately follows on from a second-half against Scotland in which they also failed to score a single pointing meaning that Scotland have now not scored in their last 2 hours of World Cup rugby. Sean Lynn looked to have made some improvements to Wales ahead of this World Cup but, unfortunately, these two fixtures have exposed the Welsh attack to be worryingly impotent which will hold them back from competing properly with their rivals until it is fixed.
Wales are now out of the World Cup and will need to step up massively against Fiji to avoid finishing bottom of the group if Fijiana's display against Scotland is an indicator of their overall ability. The Canadians will face their toughest test (Scotland) next week but should win that game by a good margin as well.
Scotland cruise through despite Fijiana impressing
Scotland 29 vs 15 Fiji
This was a very fun game in which two sets of exciting players went toe-to-toe to play some electric rugby despite tough conditions. Scotland's outside backs headlined once again with the two wingers, McGhie and Lloyd, scoring four tries between them. As for Fiji, this was a display of classic Fijian rugby that can cause issues for any side in the world. Their mix of power and incredible handling skills was almost enough to overcome an impressive Scotland and their own disciplinary issues. Fijiana had Matarugu yellow-carded in the 8th minute and Tawake red-carded in the 56th minute for a similar, albeit worse, offence. Scotland were able to take advantage of those lapses of concentration and maintain the solid gap that had been built in the first half.
Scotland will now look ahead to the Canada game which is a free hit at a giant-killing given that the Scots will be in the next round regardless of the result. Fiji, meanwhile, will fancy their chances against a struggling Wales team that is yet to fire in this competition.
Pool C
Ireland win again but Spain impress
Ireland 43 vs 27 Spain
This was an incredible match in which Spain proved that they are good enough to compete with Europe's elite but it was Ireland that came out on top. Ireland started quickly, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes but Spain fought back with 2 tries in 5 minutes. Ireland then regained some control and scored twice more to take a 24-12 lead at the break. The second half was even closer with both sides scoring 3 tries, the only difference being Spain missing more conversions. Both sides had solid set pieces, the only set piece that was lost was one Spanish lineout but other than that both teams were solid across the board. Spain also competed well in the kicking game but were still outmatched by the prowess of Dannah O'Brien who controlled the territorial battle throughout. One slight negative for Ireland was the performance of Stacey Flood who had some issues catching some fairly aimless Spanish kicks.
Other than some errors and a couple of defensive lapses, which allowed Spain back into the game, this was another excellent performance from and Ireland team that will be liking their chances against the Black Ferns who are yet to play at their best. As for Spain, they are out of the tournament but have a winnable match against Japan to come and will want to finish this World Cup in style after some eye-catching performances already. They'll need to keep taking these opportunities but, with performances like these, their case for being allowed back into the top tier of Europe looks to be growing stronger and stronger.
Black Ferns win but leak points
New Zealand 62 vs 19 Japan
So far, New Zealand have achieved exactly what was expected. Big wins against Spain and Japan are the bare minimum and a win against Ireland should fall into that category for a side as infamous as the Black Ferns but it will not be as straight forward. Ireland have already shown that they are capable of beating New Zealand and look to be in a vein of form that could lead to another upset if New Zealand don't turn up. New Zealand's defence will also be in question after conceding 3 tries against Japan including the first try of the game in which Japan managed to narrow the New Zealand defence and play wide to score from the centre of the pitch. Against Ireland, these are the kind of mistakes that the Black Ferns cannot afford to make. The lineout was also an issue as New Zealand finished with a success rate of just 73% compared to Japan's 82% which isn't actually a good rate either.
The positives for New Zealand are the attacking prowess of the team which means that they can score from literally anywhere on the pitch. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scored her inevitable try and was joined by Jorja Miller on the score sheet. Miller scored 2 tries and did so whilst running like an outside back rather than a blindside flanker. Her rugby sevens explosiveness has been on full show in this tournament and will cause opposition forwards nightmares in defence. The other attacking standout was the youngest player in the team - Braxton Sorensen-McGee. She scored a hat-trick, cutting deadly lines and scything through the smallest of gaps against a nimble Japanese defence.
As for Japan, this was another positive performance which will give them confidence going into a big game against Spain. Being able to compete well with New Zealand is an achievement by itself. A positive from the game will be set piece success; the scrum operated perfectly and the lineout was strong as well. These are transferable things that will form the base that will allow Japan to use their quick attacks.
Pool D
Springboks women make history
Italy 24 vs 29 South Africa
This was the final blockbuster encounter of an incredible weekend of rugby. South Africa started strongly and continued throughout the game. This was an epic clash of styles; Italy looked to play expansively throughout whilst South Africa looked to dominate physically before using the speed of players like Malinga who was deadly whenever she got her hands on the ball. At one point she had made over 70 metres from just 2 carries. This was a tight game throughout, South Africa led by 5 at the halfway point and the second half finished completely level which meant that South Africa's 5-point-lead remained intact.
On a slightly more negative note, 78 minutes of exceptional rugby was followed by a final 2 minutes of utter madness and terrible rugby which provided some heart-in-mouth moments before South Africa managed to kick the ball out to end the game. The chaos started with South Africa winning a scrum penalty that could have given them an easy 3 points to extend the lead to 8 points. They decided to go for another scrum which lead to an Italian penalty. Italy then decided to take it quickly rather than kick into touch, despite being deep in their own half. They then attacked down the blindside, won the ruck and had possession comfortably. However, the Italians then appeared to fall asleep and not realise that someone needed to fill in at scrum half. This then allowed Nubisi to take the ball from the back of the ruck in a move that looked like it would end the game. However, South Africa were then penalised for going off their feet at a ruck which gave Italy another chance. Beatrice Rigoni then tried to kick the ball into touch way down the field but it was kept in by Libbie Janse Van Rensburg who then found Dolf. Dolf tried to run the ball from inside her own 22 but knocked it on. Alissa Ranuccini then kicked the ball through to the in-goal area where it was grounded by the South African fullback, Nadine Roos. South Africa then had a goal-line dropout, from which Janse Van Rensburg found touch, thus ending the game.
It was a ridiculous end to an incredible game and one that created history for South Africa. This is now the most successful World Cup for the Springboks Women and it looks like the future is bright for women's rugby in South Africa.
Brazil create more History
France 84 vs 5 Brazil
France won this game by 79 points. It felt like everyone was getting themselves on the scoreboard but the most important name on that board is Bourdon-Sansus. The scrum half is truly back in form which is a huge boost for France going forward. France had a comfortable day today but will be preparing for a tough game next week against a buoyant South Africa.
Brazil may have lost the game massively, but they created the best moment within the 80 minutes. Bianca Silva scored a stunning try which came after Brazil turned over a French lineout in Brazil's half. Brazil then moved the ball wide before Silva took possession just outside her 22, used an incredible dummy to beat the French defence and sprinted past the scrambling defenders to go over for one of the tries of the tournament. For nations like Brazil, this World Cup is not about results but about creating iconic moments that can inspire a generation and grow the game in their own country. South America has seen massive growth within the men's game and Brazil are doing the same in the women's game.
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