London, UK – August 26, 2025

Red Roses Emerge as Outright Favorites After Crushing USA in Opener

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, held on home soil in England, has begun with a statement of intent that has firmly established the host nation as the team to beat. England, affectionately known as the Red Roses, delivered a stunning 69-7 victory over the USA in the opening match, a result that has cemented their status as tournament favorites.

The match, played in front of a record-breaking crowd of over 42,000 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, was a showcase of England’s formidable power and depth. The Red Roses’ relentless attack led to 11 tries, with standout performances from Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach, who each scored two tries. The American side, while showing moments of resolve, was simply outmatched by an English team that has not lost a game since the last World Cup final in 2022. The victory sets an ominous tone for the rest of the tournament and sends a clear message to all other contenders.

Headlines of the Report

 * Record-Breaking Attendance: The opening match set a new attendance record for a Women’s Rugby World Cup game, demonstrating the growing popularity of the sport.

 * England’s Unbeaten Streak: The Red Roses’ dominance is built on an impressive winning streak, which now stands at over 27 consecutive victories.

 * Pool A in Disarray: The lopsided win against the USA, one of the top-ranked teams in the world, has thrown Pool A into disarray and raised questions about the Eagles’ ability to advance.

 * Home Advantage: Playing on home turf is giving England a massive boost in morale and fan support, a factor that is expected to carry them deep into the tournament.

 * Tournament Favorites: Bookmakers and analysts had already tabbed England as favorites, but this crushing win has solidified their position and sent a powerful message to their main rivals, New Zealand and Canada.

The USA’s only try came in the first half, a brief highlight in a match that was otherwise a masterclass in attacking rugby from England. The Red Roses’ forward pack was particularly dominant, with their signature lineout drive and rolling maul proving unstoppable. This formidable forward power, combined with new innovations in their backline, makes England a well-rounded and dangerous team. They will now face Samoa in their next Pool A match, while the USA will look to bounce back against Australia.

The performance against the USA has all but confirmed that England is the team to beat at this World Cup. The Red Roses are determined to break the hex that New Zealand has held over them in previous World Cups and are clearly inspired by the success of the Lionesses, England’s women’s football team, who won the European Championship last summer.