The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicked off this weekend across the country, with Exeter and Northampton welcoming Pool D’s opening games. 

The Sporting News runs through the matches, results and more from Pool D, which comprises of France, Italy, South Africa and Brazil.

France vs Italy

Score: 24 – 0

Location: Sandy Park, Exeter

Try scorers:

France: Grisez, Khalfaoui, Escudero; Cons: Bourgeois (3); Pen: Bourgeois

Player of the Match: Gabrielle Vernier (France)

Match report:

Despite ginormous final scores becoming almost expected in the first group round of the pool stages, the match between the European rivals France and Italy was much more contested.

An incredibly stubborn Italian defence meant that France weren’t able to score until nearly thirty minutes in, as Italy completely neutralised France’s consistent presence within their half – with captain Marine Menager’s attempt being powerfully held up by three defenders.

However, Joanna Grisez was finally able to beat two defenders to cross the line and begin France’s attack.

It wasn’t a perfect score card for France, with another try being disallowed on the brink of half time as the video referee was unable to ascertain whether Bourgeois was able to touch down the ball.

Their handling also got increasingly haphazard as the game progressed and their fatigue built from facing the dogged Italian side. They’ll be looking to work at this longevity, given that France have managed to the semifinals of eight of nine World Cup tournaments.

 

South Africa vs Brazil

Score: 66 – 6

Location: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

Try scorers:

South Africa: Roos, Hele (3), Malinga (2), Janse van Rensburg (2), Ngwevu, Makua; Cons: Dolf (8)

Brazil: Pens: Kochhann (2)

Player of the Match: Aphiwe Ngwevu (South Africa)

Match report:

It was a truly record breaking game at Franklin’s Gardens, as South Africa were able to break a 15 year curse, winning their first World Cup match since 2010 66 – 6 against Brazil.

It was an equally impressive performance from Brazil, despite not garnering many points, as the first South American contingent at any World Cup.

The lowest ranked team at the tournament, at 25th, brought with them a carnival atmosphere in the stands and a tenacity alike to the highest ranked teams.

South Africa were able to score an amazing 11 tries, including a hat-trick from number eight Asezea Hele.

Despite not scoring any tries, Brazil were able to add 6 points to the scoreboard, thanks to two impressive penalty kicks from Kochhann and her signature sparkly Mohican.

Brazil’s tenacity was evident in the stats, as they made a staggering 278 tackles, with 130 of those being in the first half to South Africa’s mere 25.

However, South Africa were unstoppably fierce, putting on the pressure again as the second half began to score twice before the 50 minute mark – two of seven eventual second half tries.

The team promised action until the very end, with the Springboks scoring and converting two tries in the last five minutes alone.

 

What does this mean for next week?

South Africa now sit at the top of Pool D with 5 points, with France close behind on 4 points. Both Brazil and Italy have 0 points, although Italy is above Brazil due to points difference, with -24 to Brazil’s -60.

Next week, Brazil will face France in Exeter, and South Africa will battle Italy in York.

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