Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 betting tips | Round 1 preview

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off this Saturday (AEST) with eight pool-stage clashes across England.

Hosts England meet the USA in Sunderland to open the tournament, while defending champions New Zealand begin their title defence against Spain in York.

Here’s our full game-by-game rugby betting preview with the best odds and value tips for Round 1.

England v USA

Saturday, August 23 – 4:30am AEST – Stadium of Light, Sunderland

England open their home World Cup as heavy favourites with the top online bookmakers on the back of a 27-match winning streak. Their forward dominance should control proceedings, but the value lies with the USA keeping it respectable. With Ilona Maher and Kate Zackary leading, the Americans can cover.

Australia v Samoa

Saturday, August 23 – 9pm AEST – Salford Community Stadium, Salford

The Wallaroos come in with plenty of momentum after strong hit-outs in their warm-up matches. Samoa are capable of fast starts, but their lack of discipline in defence leaves them vulnerable across 80 minutes. With Caitlyn Halse adding spark to an already well-balanced side, Australia should comfortably put a margin on their Pacific rivals.

Scotland v Wales

Saturday, August 23 – 11:45pm AEST – Salford Community Stadium, Salford

This clash of Celtic rivals has been tight in recent years, but Scotland’s pack gives them a real advantage. They edged Wales in the Six Nations earlier this year and will look to repeat that formula with a forward-led game plan. It may be a scrap, but the Scots should be able to pull away late and cover a small line.

Canada v Fiji

Sunday, August 24 – 2:30am AEST – York Community Stadium, York

Canada are the world’s number two side and showed their class with heavy wins in the lead-up. Fiji, however, are always dangerous with ball in hand and can strike from anywhere on the park. If they can maintain some defensive composure, their flair should allow them to cover a very large handicap.

France v Italy

Sunday, August 24 – 5:15am AEST – Sandy Park, Exeter

France are genuine tournament contenders and will be desperate to bounce back after a sloppy warm-up defeat to England. Italy have improved in patches but rarely sustain intensity against the top sides. With home support and a point to prove, Les Bleues should cover the line with something to spare.

Ireland v Japan

Sunday, August 24 – 9pm AEST – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

Ireland have been trending upwards, highlighted by their famous win over the Black Ferns last season. Japan are developing nicely but still lack the size and physicality to match it with top-tier nations. Expect Ireland’s power game to wear them down and produce a comfortable cover.

South Africa v Brazil

Sunday, August 24 – 11:45pm AEST – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

Brazil make their Rugby World Cup debut and it doesn’t get tougher than facing the Springboks first up. South Africa boast power in the forwards and plenty of speed in the backline to punish mistakes. With the gulf in class so wide, the Boks should clear the line in dominant fashion.

New Zealand v Spain

Monday, August 25 – 2:30am AEST – York Community Stadium, York

he Black Ferns start their title defence against Spain, who are improving but remain a step below. New Zealand’s mix of brute strength and attacking flair should see them dominate from the opening whistle. With their depth across the park, they are well placed to cover a massive handicap.

Women’s Rugby World Cup Round 1 multi tips

• USA +53.5
• Australia -35.5
• Scotland -5.5
• Fiji +51.5
• France -20.5
• Ireland -21.5
• South Africa -46.5
• New Zealand -64.5

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