England Secures Spot in 2025 Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals
In an encounter full of emotions, England closed the group stage of the 2025 Women’s World Cup with a resounding 47-7 victory over Australia. However, the road to victory with a bonus point was not easy for the “Red Roses”. This victory ensures that England will face Scotland in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The defeat also allows Australia to advance to the next phase, where they will face Canada. Australia’s qualification marks the farewell of the United States from the World Cup, after obtaining a victory, a draw and a defeat. For England, considered the favorite to win the tournament, this was their first real challenge in the World Cup. Australia matched the physical intensity in the first half, causing problems for the English and forcing unusual errors. However, England recovered with an outstanding performance in the second half, scoring seven tries in total in front of an audience of 30,443 spectators. The victory came at a cost. England will need to monitor the physical condition of two key players in the coming days. Hannah Botterman, the loosehead prop, had to leave the field due to a back spasm during the first half, while Ellie Kildunne suffered a head knock in the second half.
Despite being considered the underdogs, Australia started strongly and took advantage of an English lineout in the early stages, scoring the first try of the match thanks to player Faitala Moleka. It was the first time England had been behind in the tournament. Jess Breach responded immediately for England, scoring in her 50th match, but the “Red Roses” showed some imprecision. They made several mistakes, including handling errors by Ellie Kildunne and two forward passes, as well as conceding a penalty in the scrum. These types of errors are not common in the most dominant team in the world today.
Australia’s excellent kicking game, which forced two 50:22s in the first half, kept England in their own half. The Australians crossed the try line again at 16 minutes, but the try was disallowed. England thought they had scored their second try at 20 minutes, but a TMO review revealed a knock-on from Amy Cokayne, frustrating the English. England found more rhythm as the first half progressed, with Abby Ward and Sadia Kabeya scoring, but for 20 minutes, the Wallaroos posed a considerable challenge. The second half unfolded more predictably. England started with greater intensity and speed, capitalizing on an Australian error in their own 22-area for Kabeya to score in the corner and secure the bonus point. Faitala Moleka, Australia’s number 10, received a yellow card for contact to the head, and England took advantage of the numerical superiority, scoring after a penalty with another maul and powerful forward play, with Kelsey Clifford scoring. With Kildunne and Morwenna Talling out with head knocks, England kept up the pace, and Clifford scored again from close range. Sarah Bern added another try, but only six minutes later, she was cautioned for a shoulder tackle to the head. England continued to pressure the Australian defense, but the Wallaroos’ resistance and some imprecise passes prevented any points from being added in the last 15 minutes. Australia will face Canada in Bristol on September 13, while England will play Scotland on September 14.
