Rugby World Cup 2021 (The 2022 Edition!)

[Darc Tiger]

For the next 5 weeks, Auckland and Whangārei plays host to the biggest World Cup the women's game has ever seen! Delayed a year due to Covid, its set to boast record crowds and an ever-growing list of professional athletes, with the women's game having seen huge changes since the 2017 tournament. Changes spearheaded by Simon Middleton's all-conquering Red Roses, whose results on and off the pitch have show the potential in the women's game, and forced Unions around the world to respond.



Top two from each pool, plus two best 3rd place finishers qualify for the QFs, ranked 1-8.
Full Format found here: https://www.scrumqueens.com/news/how-it-works-world-cup

Full schedule with kick-off times: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2021/matches

ITV are broadcasting every match across ITV, ITV4 and ITV Hub, so set your alarms!

If you want a primer for the teams in each pool, I recommend these from Scrumqueens
A: www.scrumqueens.com/news/world-cup-preview-pool
B: www.scrumqueens.com/news/world-cup-preview-pool-b
C: www.scrumqueens.com/news/world-cup-preview-pool-c

And these videos from the always excellent Squidge Rugby:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQGBkBDgofM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDOqkapsNcY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGsI794mf7w

There's also been some great documentaries released on the build-up to the tournament
England: https://www.itv.com/hub/wear-the-rose-a ... a3549a0001
New Zealand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnPFR09ravI
Wales: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m ... e-changers

Its expected that England, New Zealand and France are in a 3-way fight for the title, with Canada a potential dark horse as the best of the rest. The level of everyone in the chasing pack should be very competitive, so whilst we will see some blowout scores, there will also be lots of great contests.

There's also some additional Leicester Tigers interest, with Louis Deacon and Scott Bemand forwards and backs coaches respectively for the Red Roses.

[Darc Tiger]

Its all starting with a sold-out triple header at Eden Park in just a few hours time!

South Africa vs France at 0215
England vs Fiji at 0445
New Zealand vs Australia at 0715 (UK Time)

[Darc Tiger]

40-5 scoreline flatters France a bit. They'll need to improve for the big games. Good effort from SA, who frustrated France for long periods.

Red Roses vs Fiji coming up!

[Darc Tiger]

Brilliant first half! Fiji's all guns blazing approach causing some havoc! England defence shown some unfamiliar frailty. Middleton won't be happy.

[Darc Tiger]

Much better 2nd half from England. Made good adjustments and tightened things up. Then the far superior fitness told.

[tigerburnie]

Well played the Red Roses

[Darc Tiger]

Aussies sure gave the Kiwis a scare in the first half! But like the other two games, superior conditioning and experience came through.

Really fun first day! Tomorrow should have some really competitive match-ups.

[Rugbygramps]

What was the Red Roses final score.

[wigworth]

What was the Red Roses final score.

84-19

[Rugbygramps]

Thanks. Just caught the highlights. Good to see some of the Fijian ladies with the skills of their male counterparts.

[longlivethecrumbie]

Thanks. Just caught the highlights. Good to see some of the Fijian ladies with the skills of their male counterparts.

Waisale Serevi's daughter playing for Fiji

[Darc Tiger]

A big 5 points for an improving Italy against an underwhelming US sets them up nicely. Canada had too much power for Japan. And Wales edge a nail-biter with Scotland via a last minute penalty. Scotland will be gutted, as they had Wales under a lot of 2nd half pressure, but failed to land any of their kicks at goal which could have swung the match.

[Darc Tiger]

Some really intriguing matches this weekend!

Saturday has a pair of must-win matches for four well matched teams desperately needing a win, before La Crunch gives us a preview of the knockouts.
Scotland vs Australia 0300
USA vs Japan 0530
France vs England 0800

Sunday has a surging Italy looking to continue their good form by upsetting Canada for top spot, before Wales face the mighty Black Ferns. Then Fiji and South Africa battle for what is likely to be their only chance at a win and sneaking into the QFs.
Italy vs Canada 0045
Wales vs New Zealand 0315
Fiji vs South Africa 0545

[Darc Tiger]

More Scottish heartbreak today. They just don't know how to win, unfortunately.

USA kept their hopes alive in an entertaining contest with Japan. Lots of great tries.

[Nofrontteeth]

I'm watching the France Roses match and I'm entertained - No Rugby Tennis !
so far. 7-13