Team of the Week: Women's Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals

The Black Ferns were first to qualify for the semi-finals, after outlasting an early Springbok surge and running rampant throughout the second half against South Africa. Canada join New Zealand in the semi-finals after the Maple Leaves put on an attacking clinic to rack up a one-sided win over Australia. France then fought back from a 13-0 deficit to claim a memorable win over Ireland, before England stamped their spot in the semi-finals with a landslide win over their British rivals Scotland.

Holmes was at the heart of New Zealand’s second-half resurgence against South Africa, crossing for two crucial tries that underlined her attacking instincts. She constantly probed from full-back, timing her runs perfectly to slice open the Springbok defence. Beyond her finishing, she added a creative spark, linking seamlessly with her outside backs and keeping the tempo high. Holmes’ sharp decision-making and lethal execution ensured the Black Ferns shifted from slow starters to unstoppable finishers.

Flood was one of Ireland’s most dangerous outlets in the first half against France, taking her try with excellent awareness and sharp running. She offered composure in attack, combining well with Dannah O’Brien to keep France on the back foot before the comeback.

The teenage winger continues to be the breakout star of this World Cup. Sorensen-McGee added two more tries to her tournament tally, cementing her bid to be the competition’s top scorer. Her pace and clinical finishing were too much for South Africa to contain, but it was her work off the ball that also impressed, constantly tracking inside to support her teammates. Sorensen-McGee already looks like a player built for the big stage, thriving under knockout pressure.

Grisez produced a match-defining moment against Ireland, racing from deep inside her own half to score the winning try. It was a piece of brilliance that summed up her game-breaking ability and France’s resilience against the Emerald Islanders.

With France down to 14 players on multiple occasions, Marine Ménager’s composure in the midfield became pivotal. The centre directed traffic, steadied her teammates, and consistently carried to relieve pressure in tough moments. Her leadership across the backline helped France stay in touch with Ireland during a fraught first half, before she became instrumental in orchestrating attacking opportunities during the comeback. A reliable force under pressure, Ménager showcased both grit and class in an inspired French performance.

Ngwevu stood tall for the Springbok Women against the defending champions. Her midfield try just before half-time was the perfect display of her strength and awareness, as she punched through New Zealand’s defence to level the scores. Beyond the scoreboard, Ngwevu’s carries gave South Africa crucial go-forward ball and helped her side establish parity early on. Against a backline famed for its flair, Ngwevu ensured South Africa had their own spark in a valiant display.

Corrigan was in full flight as Canada dismantled Australia. The winger bagged two tries, showcasing her blistering speed and smart positioning to finish off sweeping Canadian moves. Corrigan has the ability to pop up at just the right when the Maple Leaves flex their attacking muscles, while her defensive work on the edge prevented Australia from finding any width. In a dominant Canadian performance, Corrigan epitomised their ruthlessness, in punishing every mistake from their opponents.

England’s fly-half pulled the strings in wet, tricky conditions with aplomb. Aitchison slotted five conversions with composure from the tee, but it was her game management that truly stood out. the fly half mixed incisive passing with clever tactical kicks, ensuring England constantly dictated territory against Scotland. Aitchison's miss-pass to set up Abby Dow’s landmark 50th try was a highlight, with expert vision on display. With the Red Roses purring, Aitchison balanced creativity and control in a complete playmaker’s performance.

France’s scrum-half once again proved why she is among the best in the world. Bourdon-Sansus dictated the tempo of the quarter-final, keeping her forwards energised and her backs supplied with quick, sharp ball. When France needed to raise the pace in the second half, she was the one driving it, combining urgency with tactical intelligence. Her influence was vital in turning the tide, guiding her side from 13-0 down to an unforgettable comeback victory over Ireland.

A powerhouse performance from Clifford, who relished her starting opportunity in the absence of Hannah Botterman. The loose-head prop bulldozed her way over for two tries, showcasing her destructive strength close to the line. In addition to her scoring, she anchored a dominant England scrum and got through a mountain of work around the park. For a young front-rower thrust into a high-pressure knockout match, Clifford delivered with maturity, power, and plenty of impact.

England’s go-to hooker was in her element against Scotland, grabbing a trademark score from the back of a driving maul. Cokayne’s accuracy at the set-piece laid the platform for Red Roses dominance, while her ferocity in defence shut down Scottish momentum. Always reliable in the big moments, she combined muscle with nous to keep England in full control. Cokayne’s try was just reward for another all-action display in knockout rugby, where she thrives.

Djougang was one of Ireland’s standout performers, making her presence felt early with a thundering try that stunned France. She anchored the scrum impressively, regularly putting French props under pressure, and brought physicality in open play with her tackling and carries. In a game where Ireland looked poised to create history, Djougang embodied their fearless approach. Even in defeat, her performance reinforced her reputation as a powerful prop who can swing the momentum of big matches.

Latsha got South Africa off to a dream start, muscling her way over the line to score against the Black Ferns. It was a symbolic moment for the Springbok pack, setting the tone early.

De Goede showed once more why she is one of the most complete players in world rugby. Against Australia, she combined her usual leadership with a stellar all-round display, scoring a try and calmly converting four from the tee. Her ability to contribute both as a relentless ball-carrier and a tactical kicker made Canada’s dominance even more emphatic. Commanding in the lineout and fierce at the breakdown, de Goede once again epitomised Canada’s strength and ambition.

Talling enjoyed one of her best games in an England shirt against Scotland. The lock was a menace in the lineout, secured vital possession, and made hard yards with every carry. She also put in defensive steel, constantly chopping down Scottish runners to halt momentum. Talling's try was the icing on the cake, rewarding a tireless afternoon where she seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. A true statement performance in a quarter-final environment.

Scotland’s captain bowed out of the Women's Rugby World Cup with a performance full of heart. Malcolm worked herself to exhaustion, leading her side with fierce determination despite England’s dominance. Malcolm threw herself into tackles, contested every ruck, and never relented, embodying Scotland’s fighting spirit. Alongside Jade Konkel, who is bound for Test match retirement, Malcolm represented the best of her nation - fearless, loyal, and utterly committed.

In just her first Test since April, Wafer delivered a performance beyond her years. The 22-year-old flanker was a menace at the breakdown, repeatedly disrupting French possession and turning defence into attack. Her physicality in the tackle set the tone for Ireland’s defiance, and she carried with venom whenever given space. Unfazed by a bite from Axelle Berthoumieu, Wafer emerged as one of Ireland’s brightest sparks and made her country proud upon the global stage.

Paquin rolled back the years with another tireless outing against Australia, harrying at the breakdown and carrying with venom. The back row also crossed the white-wash, as Canada ran rampant on the Wallaroos.

Olsen-Baker was in destructive form against South Africa, powering over for two tries to showcase her unruly blend of strength and athleticism. The number eight gave the Black Ferns the front-foot ball they needed after a sluggish start, regularly smashing through defenders in the second 40 minutes. Back from injury, Olsen-Baker’s impact was immense and provided New Zealand with the physical edge they craved.

Escudero’s second-half try helped spark France’s comeback, and her relentless energy in the loose was vital throughout the fight back against Ireland.