First Impressions Matter
- Sera Naiqama
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Round One Set the Tone For the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The build-up to the opening round of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup was fueled by hype and it delivered.
Under the grey skies of Sunderland, a record-breaking 42,723 fans packed the Stadium of Light to witness hosts, England face the United States in the tournament’s opener. As the weekend unfolded, all 16 teams entered the arena to stake their claim on the World Cup.
First impressions matter, and round one came out swinging. TFAP dives into the opening weekend to spotlight the moments that’ll shape the five-week ride ahead.
A Fast Game is a Good Game
The rugby on display had it all: pace, power, skill and flair. There were statement scorelines across the board. England 69 – 7 over the USA, Canada 65 – 7 against Fiji, but the most remarkable, Australia’s 73-point shutout of Samoa, their largest ever margin in a World Cup.
TFAP stacked the opening-round scores against the last World Cup, and the leap is clear: 317 points then, 481 now. Opta data reinforces the shift, with average ball-in-play time rising from 36 minutes in 2022 to 37 in 2025. That added continuity signals a faster game with fewer stoppages - clear proof of the growing skill level across the players.
The 2022 campaign was hampered by two years of Covid disruption, but the investment since in resources and regular test matches has lifted standards dramatically, and the results speak for themselves.
Old Friend and Foe
In a hard-fought clash, Scotland secured their first World Cup victory since 2010 over rivals Wales with a commanding 38 – 8 win.
55 seconds in, winger Francesca McGhie crossed for the opener. The former ballerina dazzled with her footwork and bagged a hat-trick. While McGhie’s brilliance lit up Salford Park, it was Scotland’s overall cohesion that stood out.
Wales, to their credit, struck back in the 12th minute through powerhouse backrower, Alex Callender. On paper the contest looked even, but Scotland’s edge was clear: 8 line breaks to Wales 4, with inside centre, Lisa Thomson constantly creating space for her outside backs who proved to be the difference.
Scotland’s build-up was clouded by contract disputes and coaching uncertainty, but once the whistle blew, none of it mattered. The tear-stained smiles at full-time said it all; this win meant everything.
Safe as Schell
Tries flowed freely, doubles and hat-tricks included but 27-capped Canadian full-back, Julia Schell stole the show against Fiji, crossing 6 times in just 22 minutes and all in the second half.
Whatever was served in the Canadian changeroom at half-time… we’ll take some, please.
The World Cup try-scoring record still belongs to Black Ferns flyer, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who ran in eight tries against Hong Kong in 2017. But Schell has carved her place in history, matching American, Krista McFarren’s six-try haul against Sweden in 1994.
Schell’s game in the red jersey has gone to another level. With the full attacking arsenal of run, pass, kick - she’s earmarked herself to be one of the standout performers for Canada.
Heavyweights and Hopefuls
The lowest margin all weekend was just 24 points. Yes, there were mismatches, but next week is where the gap between heavyweights and hopefuls in each pool will become much clearer.
It is still early days and already the tournament is buzzing with new records and stunning storylines. Bring on round 2!
Written by Sera Naiqama
Wallaroo, Super Rugby Women's player and pundit.
The [female] athlete project is Australia's fastest growing women's sports platform, spotlighting the stories and achievements of women in sport. Listen to the weekly podcast the wrap on apple or spotify, or sign up to our weekly newsletter here.
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