What Were the Key Takeaways from the World Cup: Winning Statements and Special Crowds?

The opening weekend of the Women's Rugby World Cup was nothing short of spectacular, featuring record-breaking wins and attendances that highlighted the growing popularity of women's rugby. England, Canada, and New Zealand emerged victorious with impressive performances, while smaller nations like Fiji, Spain, and Brazil showcased their fighting spirit. This article will delve into five key talking points from the tournament's inaugural fixtures.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

• England secured a resounding victory over the USA, scoring 11 tries.
• Canada's Julia Schell made headlines with six second-half tries against Fiji.
• New Zealand's Portia Woodman-Wickliffe added to her record try tally.
• Scotland achieved a comprehensive win against Wales, overcoming previous heartbreak.
• Record-breaking attendance showcased the growing support for women's rugby.

Record Wins and Standout Performances

The opening round of matches set the tone for an exciting tournament. England, the host nation and one of the tournament's favourites, delivered a commanding performance in their opener against the USA. Winning 69-7, England scored 11 tries, a clear indication of their intent as they aim for World Cup glory. The match was notable not just for the scoreline but also for the electrifying footwork of England’s Ellie Kildunne, who produced a standout moment by skilfully kicking the ball through the legs of USA full-back Bulou Mataitoga en route to a stunning solo try.

Head coach John Mitchell expressed optimism, suggesting that England's performance would only improve as the tournament progresses. This prospect is a daunting one for their next opponents, Samoa, who face a tough challenge in their upcoming match.

Canada and Julia Schell's Explosive Performance

Canada, currently ranked second in the world, made a significant statement with their 65-7 victory over Fiji. Winger Julia Schell was the star of the show, scoring an impressive six tries in the second half alone. After the match, Schell revealed that a fan had bet her $200 she wouldn't score, adding a personal touch to an already remarkable performance. This display not only highlighted Canada’s strength but also set the stage for a competitive tournament.

New Zealand's Continued Dominance

The defending champions, New Zealand, showcased their prowess by defeating Spain 54-8. Despite finishing the game with only 13 players, the Black Ferns proved their mettle, with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scoring her 21st World Cup try. This achievement reinforces her status as the tournament's all-time leading try-scorer. The young flanker Jorja Miller also made an impact, scoring twice and signalling her potential as a future star in women's rugby.

Australia's Historic Win

Australia, another formidable contender, registered the largest World Cup win in their history by thrashing Samoa 73-0. This emphatic victory positions the Wallaroos as serious challengers in the tournament, especially as they compete in the same pool as England. Their performance serves as a reminder that they cannot be overlooked, particularly with the momentum they’ve built heading into the next matches.

Scotland's Impressive Victory and Record Attendance

Scotland's 38-8 victory over Wales was a particularly noteworthy result. The match was a redemption of sorts, as Scotland had suffered a heartbreaking last-minute defeat to Wales in their previous World Cup encounter. This time, they dominated, aided by a superb hat-trick from Francesca McGhie, a former ballerina turned rugby star. The win not only boosts Scotland's chances of progressing in the tournament but also showcases their resilience in the face of adversity.

This opening weekend also saw records shattered in terms of attendance. The match between England and the USA drew a crowd of 42,723, breaking the previous record for a women's rugby match. The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland was electric, with fans passionately supporting the home team. England’s Kildunne acknowledged the role of the fans in making the event memorable, noting the significance of hosting rugby in the north of England.

Underdogs Shine; A Growing Sport

While established teams dominated their matches, the underdogs also had their moments to shine. Fiji scored a second-half try against Canada, igniting a wave of support from the crowd. Similarly, Brazil marked their World Cup debut by scoring their first points through fly-half Raquel Kochhann. Spain’s Ines Antolinez also garnered applause for her try against New Zealand, illustrating that the gap in quality is narrowing.

The overall sense of camaraderie and support for the underdogs was palpable throughout the weekend, highlighting the growing interest and investment in women's rugby. With over 375,000 tickets sold prior to the tournament, it’s clear that the momentum for women's rugby is building, promising a bright future for the sport.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

As the tournament progresses, teams face crucial matches that could determine their fate. England will be looking to maintain their momentum against Samoa, while Canada and New Zealand aim to solidify their positions with further victories. Scotland, buoyed by their win over Wales, will look to build on this success as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

Overall, the Women's Rugby World Cup has set a thrilling stage, with both established teams and underdogs pushing the boundaries of competition. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect more excitement and inspiration, showcasing the incredible talent within women's rugby.

FAQs

What is the Women's Rugby World Cup?

The Women's Rugby World Cup is an international rugby union competition held every four years, featuring national teams from around the world competing for the title of world champion.

When and where is the Women's Rugby World Cup taking place?

The current Women's Rugby World Cup is being held in England from 29 September to 29 October 2023, with matches taking place across various venues throughout the country.

Which teams are favourites to win the tournament?

England, New Zealand, and Canada are currently seen as the top contenders for the title, given their strong performances and rankings leading into the tournament.

How many teams are competing in the Women's Rugby World Cup?

A total of 12 teams are participating in the tournament, divided into three pools, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.

What impact does the Women's Rugby World Cup have on women's sports?

This tournament significantly raises the profile of women's rugby, showcasing the sport's growth and encouraging greater support, sponsorship, and participation at all levels.