Red Roses Set to Kick Off World Cup Campaign Against the USA
Written by Amy Tuscher
The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is set to ignite today in a massive summer of women's sport in England, and it all begins with the hosts, the Red Roses, facing the United States in Sunderland.
With a sold-out crowd at the Stadium of Light, England will be looking to make a statement in a tournament where they are heavy favourites - especially being on home soil.
The Red Roses come into the competition in formidable form, with a 27-match winning streak that includes dominant victories in their recent warm-up matches against Spain and France.
The Red Roses strength lies in their relentless forward pack, which has made the lineout drive and rolling maul a signature, and often unstoppable, weapon. This, alongside their mercurial talents of Ellie Kildunne and Abbie Dow, their back line is a frightening prospect for any team.
Conversely, the USA Eagles face a monumental task. While American rugby is on the rise, with the recent establishment of a domestic semi-professional league, the Eagles' form has been mixed in their warm-up games, with a win over Fiji followed by a loss to Canada. The Eagles have not beaten England since the 1991 World Cup final, a testament to the challenge they face.
📷 - @redroses Instagram
Key Matchups to Watch
While England's overall dominance is expected, there are several individual battles that will be crucial to the flow of the game:
Ellie Kildunne (England) vs. Ilona Maher (USA):
This clash of two of the game's most recognizable faces is one to savour. Kildunne, the reigning World Rugby Women's Player of the Year, is a devastating threat from fullback, known for her electric running and ability to break tackles. She will be looking to exploit any space left by the American defense. For the Eagles, Ilona Maher, a dynamic center and a social media star, will be a key player in both attack and defense, seeking to make her presence felt with her physicality and skill.
England's Forward Pack vs. USA's Set-Piece:
The Red Roses' forward dominance, led by players like captain Zoe Aldcroft, Amy Cokayne, and Alex Matthews, is the engine of their game. Their superior scrum and lineout maul will be a constant source of pressure and points. The Eagles, with experienced players like prop Hope Rogers and captain Kate Zackary, will need to be physically dominant and accurate in the set piece to stand any chance of disrupting England's rhythm and creating their own opportunities.
Abby Dow (England) vs. Emily Henrich (USA):
England's Abby Dow, the top try-scorer in the recent Six Nations tournament, is a constant threat on the wing with her explosive pace and finishing ability. She will be a handful for the American defense. She will likely be matched up against Emily Henrich, a talented wing who plays her club rugby in England and will be familiar with the threats the Red Roses pose. Her defensive work and ability to counter-attack will be vital for the Eagles.
All signs point to a comfortable victory for the Red Roses, but there are no easy games in International Rugby and the USA will be determined to earn respect and leave a positive mark on the tournament's opening night.
For England, the match is about more than just a win—it's about laying down a marker for the rest of the World Cup and continuing the momentum of women's sport in the country, trying to influence the next generation of superstars.
📷 - @elliekildunne Instagram
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