Team News: Women's Rugby World Cup - How does your team line-up in Round 2?

2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

Saturday, 30 August 2025 at 11:27

byTom Sansom

The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup has now rolled around into it's second round, with the top stars of the global game set to clash across eight matches up and down England this weekend. The team news has dropped from all 16 nations, so you can now check out how your side will line-up for their second clash in the competition.

Saturday 30 August

Canada vs Wales - Pool B
Saturday 30 August - 12:00 KO - Salford Community Stadium, Manchester

Canada head coach Kevin Rouet has made several changes for this Pool B clash, with McKinley Hunt and Emily Tuttosi moving into the starting front row alongside DaLeaka Menin. Speedster Asia Hogan-Rochester makes her Rugby World Cup debut on the wing, while the match carries special significance for lock Tyson Beukeboom, who will equal Aaron Carpenter’s record as the most-capped Canadian international of all time when she runs out for her 80th test.

For Wales, head coach Sean Lynn has also freshened up his side with seven changes to the team that faced Scotland. Bethan Lewis wins her 60th cap and captains the side for the first time, with regular co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams ruled out through injury. A reshaped front row of Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon and Sisilia Tuipulotu gets the nod, while 18-year-old Branwen Metcalfe could make her test debut from the bench.

Canada Starting XV:

McKinley Hunt, 2. Emily Tuttosi, 3. DaLeaka Menin, 4. Sophie de Goede, 5. Tyson Beukeboom, 6. Caroline Crossley, 7. Karen Paquin, 8. Gabrielle Senft, 9. Justine Pelletier, 10. Taylor Perry, 11. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 12. Alex Tessier, 13. Florence Symonds, 14. Alysha Corrigan, 15. Julia Schell.

Canada Replacements:
16. Gillian Boag, 17. Brittany Kassil, 18. Olivia DeMerchant, 19. Courtney O'Donnell, 20. Fabiola Forteza, 21. Olivia Apps, 22. Claire Gallagher, 23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa.

Wales Starting XV:

Maisie Davies, 2. Molly Reardon, 3. Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4. Abbie Fleming, 5. Gwen Crabb, 6. Bryonie King, 7. Bethan Lewis (C), 8. Georgia Evans, 9. Keira Bevan, 10. Lleucu George, 11. Lisa Neumann, 12. Courtney Keight, 13. Carys Cox, 14. Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, 15. Nel Metcalfe.

Wales Replacements:
16. Kelsey Jones, 17. Gwenllian Pyrs, 18. Jenni Scoble, 19. Tilly Vucaj, 20. Branwen Metcalfe, 21. Seren Lockwood, 22. Kayleigh Powell, 23. Kerin Lake.

Saturday 23 August

Scotland vs Fiji - Pool B
Saturday 30 August, 14:45 KO, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson makes just one change from the side that defeated Wales, with Elis Martin coming into the front row at hooker for Lana Skeldon. Martin makes her first Rugby World Cup start and will pack down alongside Leah Bartlett and Elliann Clarke. Captain Rachel Malcolm anchors the back row at blindside flanker, supported by Rachel McLachlan and Evie Gallagher, while Francesca McGhie looks to build on her hat-trick against Wales from the wing. Chloe Rollie once again takes the No.15 jersey at full-back.

For Fiji, Vika Matarugu earns her first start of the tournament at tighthead prop after impressing off the bench. Captain Alfreda Fisher leads the team from openside flanker, with Verenaisi Ditavutu adding physicality in the midfield at outside centre. Out wide, Michella’e Stolz and Alowesi Nakoci bring pace and finishing power on the wings.

Scotland Starting XV:

Leah Bartlett, 2. Elis Martin, 3. Elliann Clarke, 4. Emma Wassell, 5. Sarah Bonar, 6. Rachel Malcolm (C), 7. Rachel McLachlan, 8. Evie Gallagher, 9. Leia Brebner-Holden, 10. Helen Nelson, 11. Francesca McGhie, 12. Lisa Thomson, 13. Emma Orr, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 15. Chloe Rollie.

Scotland Replacements:
16. Molly Wright, 17. Anne Young, 18. Lisa Cockburn, 19. Adelle Ferrie, 20. Eva Donaldson, 21. Alex Stewart, 22. Caity Mattinson, 23. Beth Blacklock.

Fiji Starting XV:

Loraini Senivutu, 2. Bitila Tawake, 3. Vika Matarugu, 4. Jade Coates, 5. Mereoni Nakesa, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Alfreda Fisher (C), 8. Manuqalo Komaitai, 9. Setaita Railumu, 10. Salanieta Kinita, 11. Michella’e Brigid Stolz, 12. Josifini Neihamu, 13. Verenaisi Ditavutu, 14. Alowesi Nakoci, 15. Litiana Vueti.

Fiji Replacements:
16. Keleni Marawa, 17. Karalaini Naisewa, 18. Tiana Robanakadavu, 19. Carletta Yee, 20. Sulita Waisega, 21. Kolora Lomani, 22. Kelerayani Luvu, 23. Adi Salote Nailolo.

England vs Samoa - Pool A
Saturday 30 August, 17:00 KO, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton

England head coach John Mitchell makes 13 changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s Pool A clash against Samoa at Franklin's Gardens. Jess Breach, one try shy of 50 for her country, retains her place on the wing alongside the returning Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, while Emma Sing is promoted to full-back. Lilli Ives Campion and Abi Burton make their Rugby World Cup debuts in the second row and back row respectively, with Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern forming a new-look front row and Rosie Galligan completing the front five. Marlie Packer captains the side from openside flanker, with Maddie Feaunati at number eight.

Samoa head coach Ramsey Tomokino hands eight Rugby World Cup debuts for this fixture. Twin locks Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa start together for the first time, with experienced campaigners Linda Fiafia and Nina Foaese adding stability on the wing and at number eight. Cathy Lulu Leuta replaces the injured Avau Filimaua on the bench.

England Starting XV:

Kelsey Clifford, 2. Lark Atkin-Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Lilli Ives Campion, 5. Rosie Galligan, 6. Abi Burton, 7. Marlie Packer, 8. Maddie Feaunati, 9. Lucy Packer, 10. Helena Rowland, 11. Claudia Moloney-Macdonald, 12. Jade Shekells, 13. Megan Jones, 14. Jess Breach, 15. Emma Sing.

England Replacements:
16. May Campbell, 17. Mackenzie Carson, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Morwenna Talling, 20. Sadia Kabeya, 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Zoe Harrison, 23. Ellie Kildunne.

Samoa Starting XV:

Denise Aiolupotea, 2. Faith Nonutunu, 3. Glory Aiono, 4. Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 5. Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 6. Utumalama Atonio, 7. Sui Pauaraisa, 8. Nina Foaese, 9. Ana Afuie, 10. Harmony Vatau, 11. Linda Fiafia, 12. Fa'asua Makisi, 13. Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, 14. Davina Lasini, 15. Karla Wright-Akeli.

Samoa Replacements:
16. Lulu Leuta, 17. Ti Tauasosi, 18. Tori Iosefo, 19. Ana-Lise Sio, 20. Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva, 21. Saelua Leaula, 22. Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung, 23. Michelle Curry.

USA vs Australia - Pool A
Saturday 30 August, 19:30 KO, York Community Stadium, York

Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp names an experienced matchday 23 for Saturday’s Pool A clash against USA at York Community Stadium. Tania Naden replaces Katalina Amosa in the starting front row, with Lydia Kavoa and Annabelle Codey coming in for Brianna Hoy and Ashley Fernandez. Bridie O’Gorman earns a starting spot, while Adiana Talakai drops to the bench alongside Amosa. Former captain Michaela Leonard plays in the second row, marking her 40th Test appearance.

USA head coach Sione Fukofuka makes five changes for the match. Freda Tafuna moves into the back row alongside captain Kate Zackary, who shifts to openside, and number eight Rachel Johnson. Cassidy Bargell replaces Olivia Ortiz at scrum-half, Erica Coulibaly comes in at centre, and Cheta Emba fills the vacated wing role. Hallie Taufoou joins Erica Jarrell-Searcy in the second row, with Tahlia Brody moving to the bench.

USA Starting XV:

Hope Rogers, 2. Kathryn Treder, 3. Keia Mae Sagapolu, 4. Hallie Taufoou, 5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Freda Tafuna, 7. Kate Zackary, 8. Rachel Johnson, 9. Cassidy Bargell, 10. McKenzie Hawkins, 11. Erica Coulibaly, 12. Emily Henrich, 13. Ilona Maher, 14. Cheta Emba, 15. Lotte Sharp.

USA Replacements:
16. Katalina Amosa, 17. Lydia Kavoa, 18. Eva Karpani, 19. Annabelle Codey, 20. Ashley Marsters, 21. Layne Morgan, 22. Trilleen Pomare, 23. Tia Hinds.

Australia Starting XV:

Faliki Pohiva, 2. Tania Naden, 3. Bridie O’Gorman, 4. Kaitlan Leaney, 5. Michaela Leonard, 6. Piper Duck, 7. Emily Chancellor, 8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 9. Samantha Wood, 10. Faitala Moleka, 11. Desiree Miller, 12. Cecilia Smith, 13. Georgina Friedrichs, 14. Maya Stewart, 15. Caitlyn Halse.

Australia Replacements:
16. Paige Stathopoulos, 17. Alivia Leatherman, 18. Charli Jacoby, 19. Rachel Ehrecke, 20. Tahlia Brody, 21. Olivia Ortiz, 22. Gabriella Cantorna, 23. Sariah Ibarra.

Ireland vs Spain - Pool C:
Sunday 31 August, 12:00 KO, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand names his matchday 23 for Sunday’s Pool C clash against Spain at Franklin's Gardens. Prop Linda Djougang is set to win her 50th Test cap, becoming the 15th Ireland women’s player to reach the milestone. Anna McGann comes in on the right wing, while Molly Scuffil-McCabe makes her Rugby World Cup debut at scrum-half. Ellena Perry earns her first Ireland start in the front row, with Claire Boles selected at openside for her tournament debut.

Spain head coach Juan González Marruecos makes nine changes from their opener against New Zealand. Lourdes Alameda, the only forward to retain her place, captains the side. Zahía Pérez shifts from inside centre to fly-half to accommodate Rugby World Cup debutant Claudia Cano, while Amalia Argudo moves to full-back and Claudia Pérez starts on the wing after coming off the bench last time.

Ireland Starting XV:

Ellena Perry, 2. Cliodhna Moloney-Macdonald, 3. Linda Djougang, 4. Eimear Corri-Fallon, 5. Sam Monaghan, 6. Fiona Tuite, 7. Claire Boles, 8. Grace Moore, 9. Molly Scuffil-McCabe, 10. Dannah O'Brien, 11. Amee Leigh Costigan, 12. Eve Higgins, 13. Aoife Dalton, 14. Anna McGann, 15. Stacey Flood.

Ireland Replacements:
16. Neve Jones, 17. Siobhan McCarthy, 18. Sadhbh McGrath, 19. Ruth Campbell, 20. Brittany Hogan, 21. Emily Lane, 22. Enya Breen, 23. Nancy McGillivray.

Spain Starting XV:

Gemma Silva Sierra, 2. Marieta Roman Mallen, 3. Eider Garcia Fuentes, 4. Lourdes Alameda (C), 5. Elena Martinez, 6. Lia Pineiro, 7. Ana Peralta Baquet, 8. Valentina Lucia Perez Marquez, 9. Anne Fernandez de Corres, 10. Zahía Perez, 11. Clara Piquero, 12. Claudia Cano, 13. Claudia Pena Hidalgo, 14. Claudia Perez Perez, 15. Amalia Argudo.

Spain Replacements:
16. Cristina Blanco Herrera, 17. Laura Delgado, 18. Mireia De Andres, 19. Anna Puig, 20. Monica Castelo, 21. Nerea Garcia Rementeria, 22. Ariadna Bingbing Vergara Piqueras, 23. Lea Ducher.

Sunday 24 August

New Zealand vs Japan – Pool B:
Sunday 31 August, 14:00 KO, Sandy Park, Exeter

New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting names his matchday 23 for Sunday’s Pool C clash against Japan at Sandy Park. Kennedy Tukuafu returns to the back row, while prop Kate Henwood makes her Rugby World Cup debut from the bench after recovering from injury. Katelyn Vahaakolo, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, and Maia Joseph will also make their tournament debuts. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is one try away from becoming New Zealand’s all-time top try scorer, and could become the first New Zealand player, male or female, to reach 50 international test tries.

Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie makes a single change from their opening game, with Sakurako Hatada coming in on the right wing for Misaki Matsumura. On the bench, Jennifer Nduka could make her Rugby World Cup debut. This is the second meeting between the sides, and their first at a Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand having won the previous encounter 96-12 in 2022.

New Zealand Starting XV:

Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Alana Bremner, 6. Jorja Miller, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu, 8. Layla Sae, 9. Risi Pouri-Lane, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

New Zealand Replacements:
16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Kate Henwood, 18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 21. Maia Joseph, 22. Renee Holmes, 23. Theresa Setefano.

Japan Starting XV:

Sachiko Kato, 2. Asuka Kuge, 3. Wako Kitano, 4. Yuna Sato, 5. Otoka Yoshimura, 6. Masami Kawamura, 7. Iroha Nagata, 8. Seina Saito, 9. Moe Tsukui, 10. Ayasa Otsuka, 11. Komachi Imakugi, 12. Haruka Hirotsu, 13. Mana Furuta, 14. Sakurako Hatada, 15. Sora Nishimura.

Japan Replacements:
16. Kotomi Taniguchi, 17. Manami Mine, 18. Nijiho Nagata, 19. Ayano Sakurai, 20. Jennifer Nduka, 21. Megumi Abe, 22. Minori Yamamoto, 23. Kanako Kobayashi.

Italy vs South Africa – Pool D:
Sunday 31 August, 15:30 KO, York Community Stadium, York

Italy head coach Fabio Roselli has named his matchday 23 for the Pool D clash against South Africa at York Community Stadium. Scrum-half Sofia Stefan will make her 100th appearance for Italy, becoming only the third woman in the country to reach the milestone. There are two changes to the starting XV: Beatrice Veronese replaces Alissa Ranuccini at openside flanker, and Beatrice Rigoni comes in for Sara Mannini at inside centre.

South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin makes a few positional tweaks for the match. Nadine Roos moves from scrum-half to full-back, with Unam Tose starting at nine. Chumisa Qawe earns her first Rugby World Cup appearance at inside centre, while Eloise Webb is included on the bench. Byrhandré Dolf moves from full-back to right wing. The remainder of the forward pack remains unchanged.

Italy Starting XV:

Silvia Turani, 2. Vittoria Vecchini, 3. Sara Seye, 4. Sara Tounesi, 5. Giordana Duca, 6. Francesca Sgorbini, 7. Beatrice Veronese, 8. Elisa Giordano, 9. Sofia Stefan, 10. Emma Stevanin, 11. Alyssa D’Inca, 12. Beatrice Rigoni, 13. Michela Sillari, 14. Aura Muzzo, 15. Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi.

Italy Replacements:
16. Laura Gurioli, 17. Emanuela Stecca, 18. Gaia Maris, 19. Valeria Fedrighi, 20. Alissa Ranuccini, 21. Alia Bitonci, 22. Sara Mannini, 23. Francesca Granzotto.

South Africa Starting XV:

Sanelisiwe Charlie, 2. Lindelwa Gwala, 3. Babalwa Latsha, 4. Nolusindiso Booi, 5. Danelle Lochner, 6. Sizophila Solontsi, 7. Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 8. Aseza Hele, 9. Unam Tose, 10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 11. Ayanda Malinga, 12. Chumisa Qawe, 13. Zintle Mpupha, 14. Byrhandre Dolf, 15. Nadine Roos.

South Africa Replacements:
16. Micke Gunter, 17. Yonela Ngxingolo, 18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19. Vainah Ubisi, 20. Lerato Makua, 21. Catha Jacobs, 22. Aphiwe Ngwevu, 23. Eloise Webb.

France vs Brazil – Pool D:
Sunday 31 August, 16:45 KO, Sandy Park, Exeter

France have named an almost completely new starting XV for the Pool D clash against Brazil at Sandy Park. Gaby Vernier and Nassira Konde form the centre pairing, while Annaelle Deshaye, Agathe Gerin and Rose Bernadou make up an all-new front row. Openside flanker Lea Champon is the only player to retain her place in the pack from the previous match.

Brazil head coach Emiliano Caffera makes several changes for the match. Samara Vergara and Isabela Gomes Saccomanno come into the front row, with Franciele Barros dropping to the bench and Julia Leni De Lima missing out. Leticia Silva Ferreira partners Eshyllen Coimbra in the second row, while Maria Gabriela Graf takes over at fly-half from Raquel Kochhann. Luiza Gonzalez da Costa Campos starts at scrum-half in place of Aline Mayumi Bednarski.

France Starting XV:

Annaelle Deshaye, 2. Agathe Gerin, 3. Rose Bernadou, 4. Taina Maka, 5. Hina Ikahehegi, 6. Seraphine Okemba, 7. Lea Champon, 8. Marie Morland, 9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 10. Lina Queyroi, 11. Kelly Arbey, 12. Gaby Vernier, 13. Nassira Konde, 14. Marine Menager, 15. Emilie Boulard.

France Replacements:
16. Elisa Riffonneau, 17. Makarita Baleinadogo, 18. Yllana Brosseau, 19. Axelle Berthoumieu, 20. Khoudedia Cissokho, 21. Alexandra Chambon, 22. Lina Tuy, 23. Carla Neisen.

Brazil Starting XV:

Samara Vergara, 2. Isabela Gomes Saccomanno, 3. Tais Gomes da Costa Prioste, 4. Eshyllen Coimbra, 5. Leticia Silva Ferreira, 6. Leticia Medeiros, 7. Larissa Alves Carvalho, 8. Iris Coluna, 9. Luiza Gonzalez da Costa Campos, 10. Maria Gabriela Graf, 11. Yasmim Luiza de Lima Soares, 12. Marina Fioravanti, 13. Edna Santini, 14. Isadora Lopes, 15. Fernanda Tenorio.

Brazil Replacements:
16. Natalia Jonck, 17. Franciele Barros, 18. Pamela dos Santos Soares, 19. Ana Carolina Santana, 20. Camilla Carvalho, 21. Leila Dos Santos Silva, 22. Carolyne Pereira, 23. Bianca Silva.