Over 42,000 spectators watched England completely dominate the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 against the USA in Sunderland, winning with a staggering final score of 69 - 7.
The tries from England was almost an onslaught, coming thick and fast throughout. The USA barely had time to breathe, let alone fight back with an offensive of their own, as they only managed to cross the line once when Jarrell-Searcy scored after a speedy breakthrough.
It didn’t help that the Eagles were down to 14 players in the middle of the first half after Anna Kelter was dealt an unpopular yellow card for slapping the ball out of Hunt’s hands.
Ilona Maher demonstrated some powerful play in the midfield, making impressive metres and impactful tackles, but ultimately, the US were unable to string meaningful passes together to make an impact on the final score.
A standout moment highlighted this when English fullback Kildunne scored almost instantly from a ball turn over, after the USA has been in their 17th phase of attack.
Another undeniable highlight of the game was Emily Scarratt subbing on in the 60th minute to become the first English rugby player, male or female, to play in five World Cups.
However, it was Ellie Kildunne’s game, as she rightfully earnt Player of the Match. Scoring twice, and unselfishly setting up another try for teammate Jess Breach, Kildunne proved why she won World Player of the Year last year.
Hannah Botterman also impressed, in combination with her prop partner Maud Muir. Both crossed the try line and were brutal presences against the USA.
What a game to start of the next six weeks of women’s rugby, and a huge statement by England as the popular favourites to win the competition. The USA will be looking to improve on their performance as they face another tough side, Australia, next weekend.
MORE: Full schedule for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
England vs. USA score
| Score | Tries (Conv.) | Penalties | |
| England | 69 | Kabeya 9' (Harrison), Botterman 19' (Harrison), Muir 34' (Harrison), Kildunne 34' (Harrison), Dow 42', Kildunne 44' (Harrison), Cokayne 51', Breach 56', Atkin-Davies 59' (Harrison), Kildunne '64, Atkin-Davies 74' (Sing) | |
| USA | 7 | Jarrell-Searcy 25' (Hawkins) |
England vs. USA starting XVs
England: 15. Kildunne, 14. Dow, 13. Jones, 12. Heard, 11. Breach, 10. Harrison, 9. Hunt; 1. Botterman, 2. Cokayne, 3. Muir, 4. Talling, 5. Ward, 6. Aldcroft (c), 7. Kabeya, 8. Matthews
Replacements: 16. Stathpoulos, 17. Leatherman, 18. Jacoby, 19. Ehrecke, 20. Tafuna, 21. Bargell, 22. Bitter, 23. Ibarra
USA: 15. Sharp, 14. Henrich, 13. Maher, 12. Kelter, 11. Mataitoga, 10. Hawkins, 9. Ortiz; 1. Rogers, 2. Treder, 3. Sagapolu, 4. Brody, 5. Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Zachary (c), 7. Perris-Redding, 8. Johnson
Replacements: 16. Atkin-Davies, 17. Clifford, 18. Bern, 19. Galligan, 20. Feaunati, 21. Packer, 22. Scarratt, 23. Sing
England vs. USA highlights
8': Kabeya crosses the line with the first try of the tournament! Harrison effortlessly coverts.
16': Botterman fends off defender to score England's second try! Harrison converts.
25': With an incredible break, second row Jarrell-Searcy scores the USA's first try of the tournament. Hawkins converts.
26': Anna Kelter is dealt a yellow card due to her slapping ball out of England number 9's hands.
34': After several attempts on the try line, Maud Muir scores her seventh try for the Red Roses. Yet again, Harrison converts for the extra two points.
34': Barely a chance to breathe before England storm down the pitch with Abby Dow feeding the ball to Ellie Kildunne to touch down again. Harrison converts.
39': Rogers crosses the line, but it's ruled held up. No try.
42': After a massive 13 phases, England hold their nerve as Abby Dow score just two minutes into the second half. Harrison fails to convert from the far right position.
47': Kildunne scores again! She barrels down the far left despite the American defence hanging onto her legs. Harrison converts.
49': Bargell replaces Ortiz on the Eagles side.
51': England yet again! Cokayne puts it down in the corner. Harrison does not convert.
52': Atkin-Davies, Bern and Clifford sub on, replacing Botterman, Muir and Cokayne.
56': An extremely unselfish feed from Ellie Kildunne means Jess Breach touches down England's seventh try.
59': Replacement Lark Atkin-Davies pushes over the line. England are unstoppable. Harrison finishes it off with a textbook conversion.
60': Emily Scarratt subs on to become the first English rugby player, male or female, to play in five World Cups. Feaunati and Packer also sub on.
64': After 17 phases of the USA offence, an English turn over lets Kildunne is barrel down the side to score yet again. Scarratt misses the conversion.
74': Atkin-Davies scores her second as the English maul barrels over the try line. Replacement Emma Sing converts in her World Cup debut.
81': Full time. England 69 - 7 USA.
England vs. USA livestream, TV channel
USA
- TV channel: CBS Sports and Paramount+
- Live stream: England Rugby YouTube
For fans in the US, CBS Sports and Paramount+ have exclusive rights over the Women's Rugby World Cup coverage, and will be showing it across their platforms.
UK
- TV channel: BBC One
- Live stream: England Rugby YouTube
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live or on catch-up on BBC, with coverage beginning at 6:30pm BST.
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