3 Key Battles: England vs Samoa - 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

Mitchell has shuffled the deck for his side's second hit-out at the home hosted tournament, with 13 changes made to his match day 23 that will descend upon Northampton's Franklin's Gardens. The home of the Saints and Loughborough Lightning will host this hotly anticipated encounter, with England backed as heavy favourites for Saturday's contest.

Samoa were well beaten by Australia for their opening match of the competition, as the Wallaroos ran in 11 tries of their own, and shut out the 'Manusina' for a staggering 72-0 hammering. However, a heavily rotated squad can ask questions about the cohesion throughout the England team, with this match by no means a foregone conclusion as we approach kick off in the East Midlands. It's do-or-die time for Samoa, who must win if they want to keep their progression chances alive.

The clash of the locks promises to be a defining subplot as England take on Samoa in Pool A. For the Red Roses, Lilli Ives Campion and Rosie Galligan offer a potent combination of youth and experience. Campion, just 21, makes her World Cup debut at her home stadium of Franklin's Gardens, after progressing as the England U20s captain and enjoying a standout season with Loughborough Lightning.

Campion's physicality at the lineout, work rate around the park, and sharp game sense make her a rising force in the England engine room. Partnering her, Rosie Galligan brings a wealth of experience, having overcome a series of serious injuries to reassert herself as a key second-row option. Her presence in the set-piece and leadership in tight exchanges will provide England with both stability and edge against the unpredictable offensive of the Pacific Islanders.

Opposing them, Samoa field a unique twin power duo in Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, the first women’s twins to start together at lock for the Manusina. At just 20, they embody the new wave of Pacific talent, blending a proud cultural heritage with raw athleticism. Their telepathic understanding of each other’s movements, combined with disciplined physicality and relentless teamwork, offers Samoa a formidable engine room, and a glimpse into the future for this weekend's viewers.

The wing battle between Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Linda Fiafia is set to be one of the most intriguing matchups as England face Samoa. For the Red Roses, Moloney-MacDonald combines experience, pace, and an indomitable spirit. The 29-year-old Exeter Chiefs star has faced adversity head-on, returning from a severe neck injury that sidelined her for 16 months.

Her triumphant comeback in the 2025 Six Nations underscored her resilience and mental toughness, qualities that make her a constant threat on the flank. With her eye for gaps, quick footwork, and ability to finish under pressure, Moloney-MacDonald provides England with both reliability and X-factor in attack, while also contributing to defensive solidity when Samoa mount their counter-attacks.

Opposite her, Linda Fiafia brings a decade of experience across both sevens and 15s for Samoa. A natural finisher with a sharp rugby IQ, Fiafia has been instrumental in putting Samoa on the map in Pacific competitions, from the Oceania Sevens to the Manusina 15s campaigns. Her speed, agility, and determination make her a constant menace in open play, while her leadership and cultural grounding provide a stabilizing presence for her team.

This matchup will see England’s technical precision and Moloney-MacDonald’s calculated aggression face off against Fiafia’s explosive pace and years of international know-how. Expect line breaks, aerial contests, and decisive tries to hinge on the ability of these two wings to impose themselves. This clash is as much about skill and speed as it is about resilience, making it a vital subplot in England’s Pool A opener.

The battle at number eight between England’s Maddie Feaunati and Samoa’s Nina Foaese promises intensity, power, and a touch of heritage pride. For the Red Roses, Feaunati is the rising star bringing Pacific Island fire and Samoan heritage to the back row.

At just 23, she has already stamped her authority on England’s pack with ferocious tackling, relentless ball-carrying, and a fearless presence in contact. Daugher of former Bath and Samoa number eight Isaac Feaunati, Maddie combines raw physicality with technical skill honed in New Zealand and England, making her a potent weapon in both attack and defence.

Her meteoric rise, from Six Nations debut in 2024 to starting opportunities in key test matches, highlights her as a breakout talent ready to shine on home soil. Opposite her, Nina Foaese embodies the heart and resilience of Samoa rugby. The number eight brings plentiful years of experience across 15s and sevens, unleashing robust tackling with a tireless engine in the loose.

Beyond the pitch, Foaese balances her role as a support youth worker and mother of three, representing Samoa with grit and dedication while fundraising to support her family. The back-row's commitment and leadership resonates through the Manusina pack, providing both inspiration and stability in every collison.