Road to Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals
- Sera Naiqama
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Seven seats taken, one left. It’s Australia or the USA for the final spot.
Round 2 was defining for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
It should have locked in the final eight, but a dramatic draw in Pool A means the last quarter-final spot still hangs between the USA and Australia. At the same time, the picture is clearer for those whose campaigns will end this weekend.
With only the top two sides from each pool progressing to the knockout stages, The Female Athlete Project breaks down the ins and farewells the outs.
Pool A
Australia, England, Samoa, USA
In: England
Fighting: Australia, USA
Out: Samoa
England secured their quarter-final berth within 16 minutes against Samoa, running in six tries before half-time. Add that to their huge 69–7 win over the USA in Round 1, and they’ve sealed top spot in the group.
The draw between Australia and the USA leaves them in a fight for the final quarter-final place. Australia face world No.1 England, hardly a smooth path, but they still hold the advantage over the USA. Their survival hinges on beating the hosts, picking up a bonus point (scoring four or more tries or losing by seven or fewer), or Samoa upsetting the USA.
For the USA, it’s a pure numbers game. They need a bonus-point win over Samoa, rack up as many points as possible, and hope England hand Australia a heavy defeat to close the gap on the table.
If Australia fail to secure at least a bonus point and the USA secure a bonus-point win, it comes down to points difference. The Wallaroos have breathing room with +73 points in the bank, while the Eagles sit at –62.
Australia’s advantage?
The USA play first. By kick-off, the Wallaroos will know the exact equation and can shape their game accordingly.
Samoa, they will bow out after this weekend, but their impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. From post-match Siva Samoa with the Red Roses to Ellie Kildunne’s “685” Instagram tribute, they leave the tournament richer in experience and with thousands of new fans across the northern hemisphere.
Pool B
Canada, Fiji, Scotland, Wales
In: Canada and Scotland
Out: Fiji and Wales
If Pool A is tense, Pool B is historic.
Canada was the first to punch their ticket to the quarters, sweeping aside Wales and Fiji with conviction. They’ve built serious momentum, and now their eyes turn to Scotland.
Scotland is a story of resurgence. Two wins from two, and for the first time since 2002, they’re out of pool play and into the knockouts. The challenge against Canada is massive, but this team has shown they’ll take any challenge head-on.
Wales and Fiji remain winless, but their campaigns are far from meaningless. With one fixture left and pride on the line, expect their clash to be charged with energy and fight.
Pool C
Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain
In: New Zealand and Ireland
Out: Japan and Spain
Against Japan, New Zealand rolled out what looked like their strongest starting XV. After two weeks of rotation, all signs point to those combinations being the ones readied for Ireland. Captain Ruahei Demant insists the Black Ferns are yet to deliver a full 80-minute performance. A team this good, still unsatisfied, is a frightening prospect.
Conversely, Ireland are primed after a close encounter against Spain. Chasing nothing less than a repeat of last year’s WXV1 shock over the six-time world champions, this clash is undoubtedly the juiciest fixture of the round.
A never-say-die attitude epitomizes both Spain and Japan, and fittingly, they’ll meet in their final game of the tournament. For both sides, it’s a final shot to turn resilience into reward and sign off with pride.
Pool D
Brazil, France, Italy, South Africa
In: South Africa and France
Out: Italy and Brazil
South Africa knocked off 8th-ranked Italy with a historic first victory, securing a maiden quarter-final berth. More than a win, it was a statement that South Africa is a genuine force on the world stage.
France has been the standout defensive unit, conceding just five points across their two pool matches. They look every bit like a team that can go deep into this competition, but history shows France often stumbles when pressure mounts.
Italy have one last chance to kit up and finish on the right side of the ledger against Brazil, a debutant team whose first World Cup has delivered glimpses of a promising future.
So what now?
With most quarter-finalists confirmed, the final group games are all about seeding. No one wants second place; it means a tougher opponent. That leaves coaches with a big call: rest their heavy-minute players or keep sharpening combinations.
Whatever the approach, the margins will only get smaller as we trot towards the business end of the tournament.
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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