By Rolando Cronin 
A Roaring Start to a Historic Tournament
On August 22, 2025, England’s Red Roses kicked off the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a thunderous 69-7 victory over the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The 11-try performance, watched by a record-breaking crowd of 42,723, sent a clear message: England are here to dominate. As a rugby fan who’s cheered through countless matches, I felt the electric buzz of this opener—a perfect blend of raw power, precision, and pure joy. This article dives into the match, its significance, and what it means for the Red Roses’ quest for glory.
The Stage is Set in Sunderland
The Stadium of Light, usually home to Premier League football, transformed into a rugby festival for the World Cup’s opening night. With pop star Anne-Marie warming up the crowd and Black Eyed Peas’ “Pump It” blasting as the teams entered, the atmosphere was electric. The Red Roses, world number one and tournament favorites, faced a USA side ranked tenth, setting the stage for a one-sided but thrilling spectacle.
England’s Dominant Game Plan
Under head coach John Mitchell, England stuck with the starting XV that crushed France 40-6 in a warm-up match. Their strategy—brutal forward play, dynamic backline moves, and relentless pressure—overwhelmed the USA from the first whistle. The Red Roses’ 28-game winning streak was never in doubt as they unleashed their full arsenal.
The USA’s Brave but Brief Resistance
The USA, with 11 World Cup debutants, showed flashes of promise early on. Their lone try, a stunning breakaway by Erica Jarrell-Searcy, briefly cut England’s lead to 14-7. But a costly yellow card to Alev Kelter shifted momentum, and the Eagles couldn’t keep up with England’s pace and power.
The Match: A Try-Fest in Sunderland
From Sadia Kabeya’s opening try to Lark Atkin-Davies’ final maul-powered score, England’s 11 tries showcased their depth and versatility. Eight different players crossed the line, with Ellie Kildunne earning Player of the Match for her two tries and two assists. The second half, where England scored seven tries, was a masterclass in clinical rugby.
First Half: Building the Foundation
England struck early with Kabeya’s try from a rolling maul at nine minutes, followed by Hannah Botterman’s powerful run. The USA responded with Jarrell-Searcy’s try, but Kelter’s sin-bin allowed Maud Muir and Kildunne to score, giving England a 28-7 halftime lead. The crowd roared with every hit, setting the tone for a dominant display.
Second Half: Ruthless Red Roses
The second half was a try-scoring frenzy. Abby Dow opened the floodgates, followed by Kildunne’s second try, a clever Amy Cokayne score, and two each from Jess Breach and Atkin-Davies. Zoe Harrison’s six conversions and Emma Sing’s final kick sealed the 69-7 rout, leaving the USA shell-shocked.
Key Performers: England’s Standouts
The Red Roses’ depth was on full display, with eight try-scorers and a dominant scrum. Here’s a look at the stars of the night:
- Ellie Kildunne: Two tries, two assists, and a Player of the Match performance. Her speed and vision were unstoppable.
- Meg Jones: A dynamic force at center, her grubber kick and charge-down sparked key tries.
- Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir: The props powered through for tries, with the scrum earning praise from coach Mitchell.
- Jess Breach and Lark Atkin-Davies: Each scored twice, with Breach’s tries showcasing England’s lethal backline.
USA’s Bright Spots Amid the Defeat
Despite the scoreline, the USA had moments to cherish. Erica Jarrell-Searcy’s try was a highlight, showing her pace and flair. Ilona Maher, a social media star, made powerful carries, hinting at her potential. Coach Sione Fukofuka emphasized “small wins,” but basic errors, like poor restarts, cost them dearly.
Why This Win Matters
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. England’s 69-7 thrashing extended their winning streak to 28 games and set a record for the largest Women’s Rugby World Cup crowd. With five losses in the last six finals to New Zealand, the Red Roses are hungry for their first title since 2014. This performance showed they’re ready to “hunt” as favorites, as Mitchell put it.
A Record-Breaking Atmosphere
The 42,723 fans at Sunderland smashed the previous World Cup attendance record of 42,579, set at the 2022 final. The crowd, a mix of rugby diehards and new fans in cowboy hats, created a festival vibe. As someone who’s attended packed rugby matches, I can imagine the roar—Abby Dow said she couldn’t hear teammates, joking she might need to learn lip-reading
Comparing England and USA
Here’s how the teams stacked up in Sunderland:
| Team | Tries | Conversions | Key Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 11 | 7 | Dominant scrum, backline speed | Occasional defensive lapses |
| USA | 1 | 1 | Individual flair (Maher, Jarrell-Searcy) | Poor restarts, discipline |
Pros and Cons of England’s Performance
Pros:
- Versatility: Eight different try-scorers showed England’s depth.
- Scrum Dominance: Mitchell praised the scrum for “burying” the USA.
- Crowd Energy: The record crowd fueled England’s intensity.
Cons:
- Slow Start: The first half was “scrappy,” per Dow, with room to improve.
- Kick-Off Issues: England’s restarts were erratic, a fixable flaw.
- Defensive Gaps: Slack tackling allowed the USA’s lone try.
The Human Side of the Red Roses
Watching the Red Roses, I’m reminded of my first rugby match, where the crowd’s energy made every tackle feel personal. For England, this win was more than points—it was about carrying a nation’s hopes. Ellie Kildunne, back from injury, danced with joy after her tries, while Emily Scarratt’s substitution marked her as the first English player in five World Cups. These moments make rugby so human.
Ilona Maher: USA’s Rising Star
Ilona Maher, with her massive social media following, brought eyes to the game. Her powerful runs and near-turnover on Meg Jones showed her potential, despite the loss. Fans on X called her “a beast,” and her presence in Sunderland likely drew some of the 42,723 spectators. Maher’s journey is one to watch as the USA face Australia next.
England’s Tactical Masterclass
John Mitchell’s game plan was ruthless: dominate the set piece, unleash the backline, and exploit errors. The rolling maul, led by Kabeya and Atkin-Davies, was unstoppable, while Jones and Kildunne’s interplay carved open the USA defense. Mitchell told Sky Sports that England “forced negativity” from the USA, turning mistakes into tries. The second-half intensity, with seven tries, showed England’s ability to shift gears.
USA’s Struggles: Discipline and Errors
The USA’s yellow card to Alev Kelter was a turning point, as England scored twice during her absence. Coach Sione Fukofuka lamented discipline issues, and poor restarts handed England easy possession. Bulou Mataitoga’s missed pass for a try was a “what-if” moment, as noted on X, showing the USA’s potential but lack of polish.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
The 2025 tournament, the tenth edition, is already historic. Hosted in England, it aims to surpass the 2022 final’s attendance with a Twickenham final on September 27. England’s dominance sets the tone, but defending champions New Zealand loom large. With pool matches against Samoa and Australia next, the Red Roses are on a collision course with glory—or heartbreak.
Why This World Cup Feels Different
This World Cup is a celebration of women’s rugby’s growth. The record crowd, vibrant atmosphere, and stars like Maher signal a shift. As a fan, I’ve seen women’s rugby evolve from niche to mainstream—my local club now has a thriving women’s team, inspired by the Red Roses. The cowboy hats, rugby shirts, and 42,723 voices in Sunderland prove the sport’s rising tide.
Tools to Follow the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Stay in the loop with these platforms:
- England Rugby: Match highlights and news on EnglandRugby.com.
- Sky Sports: Live coverage and analysis, available on their app.
- BBC Sport: Free-to-air broadcasts and updates on BBC One and iPlayer.
- RugbyPass: In-depth stats and takeaways for rugby nerds.
- X Accounts: Follow @EnglandRugby, @RugbyWorldCup, and @USARugby for real-time buzz.
Pro Tip: Stream matches on BBC iPlayer for free in the UK or catch highlights on England Rugby’s YouTube. It’s the best way to relive the action
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Who won the England vs. USA match at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025?
England’s Red Roses won 69-7, scoring 11 tries against the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on August 22, 2025. Ellie Kildunne was named Player of the Match.
Where can I watch Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches?
In the UK, watch live on BBC One or iPlayer. In the USA, CBS Sports and Paramount+ stream matches. Check EnglandRugby.com for highlights.
Who scored tries for England against the USA?
Sadia Kabeya, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Ellie Kildunne (two), Abby Dow, Amy Cokayne, Jess Breach (two), and Lark Atkin-Davies (two) scored England’s tries.
What’s the schedule for the Red Roses in the World Cup?
England face Samoa on August 30 in Northampton (5 PM BST) and Australia on September 6 in Brighton (5 PM BST). Check SkySports.com for updates.
England’s Road Ahead
The Red Roses’ next challenge is Samoa on August 30 at Franklin’s Gardens, followed by Australia in Brighton. Mitchell warned on France24 that England have “only just got started,” hinting at untapped potential. Defensive lapses and restart issues need fixing, but their scrum and backline make them formidable. Fans on X called this win “scary,” noting England could be even better.
USA’s Path to Redemption
The USA face Australia on August 30 in York, a tough test after their Sunderland drubbing. Coach Fukofuka urged his team not to “go into a dark space,” and players like Maher and Jarrell-Searcy offer hope. Fixing restarts and discipline is crucial, as basic errors gifted England possession. The Eagles’ spirit remains, but execution must improve.
The Emotional Impact on Fans
As a rugby fan, I know the thrill of a home team dominating. Watching clips of Kildunne’s tries, I felt the same rush as when my local club upset a rival. For the 42,723 in Sunderland, it was a party—rose headdresses, American flags, and screams for every try. England’s win wasn’t just about points; it was about igniting a nation’s passion for women’s rugby.
FAQ Section
Q: What was the score in the England vs. USA Women’s Rugby World Cup match?
A: England won 69-7, scoring 11 tries to the USA’s one in Sunderland on August 22, 2025.
Q: Who was Player of the Match in the Red Roses vs. USA game?
A: Ellie Kildunne earned Player of the Match for her two tries and two assists, showcasing her speed and vision.
Q: Where can I find highlights of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025?
A: Watch highlights on EnglandRugby.com, BBC iPlayer, or Sky Sports’ YouTube channel.
Q: Can the USA still advance in the World Cup?
A: Yes, with pool matches against Australia and Samoa, the USA can reach the quarterfinals if they improve discipline and restarts.
Q: How does England’s win impact their World Cup chances?
A: The 11-try win cements England as favorites, but they must address defensive lapses to beat New Zealand in a potential final.
Looking Ahead: A World Cup to Remember
England’s 69-7 rout was a perfect start, but the Red Roses know tougher tests await. Samoa and Australia will challenge their set piece and defense, while New Zealand lurk as defending champions. For fans, Sunderland was a glimpse of what’s possible—a record crowd, a festival vibe, and a team firing on all cylinders. Follow the journey on SkySports.com or @EnglandRugby on X, and don’t miss a moment of this historic World Cup. The Red Roses are hunting glory, and they’ve just begun.