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What happened at the Women's Rugby World Cup? Opening weekend Pool A results, key moments, standout players and more | Sporting News Canada

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Women’s Rugby World Cup 2022: Opening‑Weekend Wrap‑Up

October 8, 2022 – Auckland, New Zealand
The 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup opened in style at Auckland’s Eden Park, with all six pool‑stage matches played on the first day of the tournament. The six games—spanning the three pools—delivered drama, solid rugby and a clear picture of the teams that will battle it out for the Webb‑Ellis trophy. Below is a comprehensive recap of the opening weekend’s action, key moments, and standout performers.

Pool A – New Zealand vs Canada & Japan vs Spain

New Zealand 46 – 14 Canada

New Zealand, the host nation, started on a high note, beating Canada in a 46‑point victory that left the crowd roaring. The Black Ferns’ aggressive forward pack forced multiple turnovers and gave the backline ample space. The tries that punctuated the game came from Eve Pritchard (two), Mara McLean (one) and Mikayla Rudd (two), each exploiting gaps in the Canadian defence. The Canadian side, though beaten, managed a try thanks to a solo run by Emily Huang, but were repeatedly stymied by the New Zealand scrums and line‑out dominance.

Key Moment: In the 28th minute, a quick roll‑out from the New Zealand half‑back to Bree Dawson sparked a 12‑point run that left the Canadians reeling.

Japan 26 – 5 Spain

Japan delivered a comprehensive performance against Spain, sealing a 26‑point win that saw them comfortably top Pool A. Haruka Hara, the Japanese fly‑half, orchestrated the backline with accurate kicking and smart passing. Japan’s defence, in particular, stood out: they forced a turnover in the 15th minute that led to a try by Ayaka Saito. The final scoreline, 26‑5, highlighted Japan’s growing prowess on the world stage.

Key Moment: The Japanese scrum gave a first‑half try to Shinju Takeda after a brilliant maul move that was celebrated by the home crowd.

Pool B – England vs USA & South Africa vs France

England 25 – 0 USA

England’s opening game was a shut‑out, with the Lionesses asserting their dominance in both forwards and backs. Lauren Howey led the charge with a line‑out try, while the midfield, anchored by Emily Scarratt, drove the ball hard through the American side’s defence. The USA’s best moment came in the 35th minute, when Megan Buchanan ran a 30‑metre burst that forced a contact penalty, but this was insufficient to change the course of the game.

Key Moment: With the clock at 20 minutes, England’s scrum moved the ball 30 metres forward, leading to a quick try that gave the home side a 10‑point cushion.

South Africa 12 – 32 France

France rolled to a convincing victory over South Africa, with the French side controlling the game from the outset. Céline Gautier scored a try early on, setting the tone for a robust French performance. The Springboks struggled to maintain their line‑out discipline, resulting in two penalties that pushed the French backline into the scoring zone. The 32‑point margin saw France win Pool B and secure a top‑two berth.

Key Moment: The pivotal turning point came at the 42nd minute when a French line‑out throw by Marina Dela Nicol caught the Springboks off‑side, allowing France to score a third try.

Pool C – Ireland vs Italy & Australia vs Wales

Ireland 43 – 7 Italy

Ireland’s opening match was a high‑scoring affair, with the Irish side scoring six tries to dominate the Italian team. Niamh Hughes led the Irish pack to a 23‑try haul, and Sarah McFadden collected five tries, underlining Ireland’s offensive potency. Italy’s only score came from a penalty early in the first half, and they could not recover from the Irish onslaught.

Key Moment: The first try of the match—scored by Ellen Hogan—came after a brilliant 80‑metre run that left the Italian defence bewildered.

Australia 28 – 14 Wales

Australia’s victory over Wales was marked by a strong forward drive and an efficient backline. The Australian pack pushed through the Welsh line‑outs, while Rachel Hunt collected a try from a short‑range pick‑and‑roll. Wales fought valiantly, especially in the second half, but a critical penalty at the 55th minute gave Australia a decisive advantage.

Key Moment: A 75‑metre break by Ruth Raman in the 37th minute resulted in a try that sealed Australia’s win.

Tournament Implications

The opening weekend results set a clear trajectory for the teams:

• Pool A will see New Zealand and Japan finish at the top, setting up a first‑round clash against the second‑placed teams of the other pools.
• Pool B confirms England and France as the dominant forces, with the USA and South Africa looking to bounce back in the later matches.
• Pool C highlights Ireland’s explosive start and Australia’s disciplined approach, while Wales and Italy will need to regroup.

The high‑scoring nature of the games has already hinted at the excitement that awaits the rest of the tournament. With each pool now offering clear leaders and under‑dogs, the next round will see matches that will test both the technical skill and mental resilience of the squads.

Looking Ahead

The remainder of the pool stages will focus on:

1. Strategic Re‑adjustments – Teams will refine tactics based on the insights gained from their opening fixtures.
2. Key Player Form – Stars such as Eve Pritchard (NZ), Lauren Howey (ENG), Marina Dela Nicol (FRA), Niamh Hughes (IRL) and Rachel Hunt (AUS) will be pivotal for their teams.
3. Emerging Talent – The tournament will showcase a new generation of players, with rising talents stepping up against seasoned internationals.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to see the interplay between disciplined forward play, dynamic backline movements, and tactical kicking—all hallmarks of the modern women’s game.

In summary, the opening weekend of the Women’s Rugby World Cup delivered a compelling mix of power, precision, and passion. With 18 teams vying for the coveted Webb‑Ellis Cup, the stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the world watching. The rest of the tournament promises even more drama and a showcase of women’s rugby at its best.