Women’s Rugby World Cup: England to Quarterfinals, Who Will Stop the Red Roses?

The Women’s Rugby World Cup: England and its Challenges in the Final Phase

The group stage concluded, and the excitement of the Women’s Rugby World Cup moves to its decisive stage. England, after a slight setback against Australia, has proven to be the favorite, but the road to the championship will not be easy. England defeated Australia with a score of 47-7 in Brighton, although the match presented unexpected difficulties. Despite the defeat, Australia managed to qualify for the knockout stage. The United States, for its part, defeated Samoa 60-0, but it was not enough to advance. Canada and New Zealand also shone in the group stage. Canada obtained a resounding victory over Scotland, while New Zealand crushed Ireland with a score of 40-0.

Who will be able to stop England?

Australia, during the first 20 minutes of their match against England, showed a game plan that could be the key to stopping the “Red Roses”. They managed to score first and complicated England’s game during the first quarter of the match. This approach could be the guide for other teams in the tournament.

England’s defense demonstrated its solidity, limiting Australia to a single try. The defensive strategy and the ability to remain calm under pressure will be crucial in the next phases.

• Red Roses star Abby Dow talks about adversity and the world’s best attack
• Amy Cokayne: The RAF officer and former New Zealand player powering England’s scrum
• Piper Duck’s exhausting journey to the World Cup

“We know that defense wins championships and will give us victories,” stated Megan Jones.

Megan Jones

England is the favorite, but will have to overcome difficult tests in the coming weeks, where its defense will be fundamental.

Canada and New Zealand are emerging as England’s main competitors. Canada, with its 40-19 victory over Scotland, demonstrated its ability to adapt and counterattack. Their speed and power are difficult to stop.

“Nothing was perfect, but we are happy with the victory,” commented Canada coach Kévin Rouet.

Kévin Rouet

New Zealand, for its part, displayed its power by defeating Ireland 40-0. Their speed in attack is a factor to consider for their rivals.

England is the favorite, but Canada and New Zealand promise to put up a fight.

Ilona Maher and the End of Her Participation

Ilona Maher, a player from the United States, will not be able to continue in the tournament. Despite the United States’ victory over Samoa (60-0), it was not enough to advance. Maher left a big mark on the tournament, demonstrating her worth in rugby XV.

The fans will miss Ilona Maher, one of the most popular players in the tournament.

Samoa Says Goodbye in Style

The Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) shared a post on Instagram:

Post about Samoa’s farewell

The Welsh Tournament

Wales had a disappointing performance, with three losses in the tournament, which generated criticism and questions about the future of Welsh women’s rugby.

Despite the players’ talent, the lack of leadership and little experience in high-level matches were key factors in their defeats. The team expects a change, and there is hope with the young prospects.

“We are in a difficult moment, but I believe in the team we have, in our staff, and in that we can change this,” stated co-captain Alex Callender.

Alex Callender

Australia Advances to Quarterfinals

Australia, although it lost against England, managed to qualify for the quarter-finals. The team felt honored by the visit of the Princess of Wales.

Australia will face Canada in the quarterfinals, an opponent they haven’t been able to beat since 2014. The Australian team will have to raise their level of play to advance to the semifinals.