Red Roses Dominate: Must-Watch Rugby World Cup Start
England’s Unmatched Dominance Ahead of the Rugby World Cup
England enters the Rugby World Cup not just as favorites, but as a powerhouse that has rewritten the record books. The Red Roses have claimed victory in 57 of their last 58 matches—a staggering run stretching over six years. Domestically, they’ve swept the past seven Six Nations titles, while globally, they’ve dominated the newly created WXV tournament without fail.
Their dominance is so overwhelming that they’ve effectively broken World Rugby’s ranking system. Holding an unprecedented 97.76 rating, no team in the 22-year history of the rankings has come close. Even the most lopsided wins now yield only marginal decimal gains—proof of their unshakable supremacy.
With such an extraordinary track record, supporters are already envisioning a triumphant Rugby World Cup final on September 27, where England could cement their legacy as the undisputed queens of the sport. But head coach John Mitchell knows better than to take victory for granted.
The Ghosts of Rugby World Cup Past
Mitchell is no stranger to the weight of expectation. In the last Rugby World Cup, England entered the final on a 30-game winning streak, only to fall short when Lydia Thompson’s red card and a spirited New Zealand performance snatched the trophy away.
His own history with World Cup campaigns is a mix of highs and heartbreak. Leading the All Blacks in 2003, he watched as Australia dashed his team’s hopes in the semifinals, with George Gregan’s infamous taunt—”four more years”—still ringing in the ears of rugby fans.
For England, the wait for a Rugby World Cup title has now stretched beyond a decade. Despite appearing in the past six finals, their only triumph came in 2014. Mitchell acknowledges the pressure but insists that success isn’t solely measured in silverware.
I promised myself that whatever happens, happens, Mitchell said. If it doesn’t happen, it won’t define me. Winning is important, but our greater driver is becoming the best version of ourselves.
A Transformational Moment for Women’s Rugby
This tournament is about more than just trophies—it’s a landmark moment for women’s rugby. With over 330,000 tickets sold and unprecedented media coverage, the Rugby World Cup promises to elevate the sport to new heights.
The Red Roses have already captured the hearts of fans in ways their male counterparts haven’t. Their openness—seen in countless post-match selfies—has built a deep connection, particularly among audiences who’d never previously engaged with rugby.
Their opening match against the United States at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is expected to draw more than 40,000 spectators, potentially breaking the Women’s Rugby World Cup attendance record set in 2022. The final, held at Twickenham’s 82,000-seat Allianz Stadium, will almost certainly sell out—an unthinkable scenario just a few years ago.
While the U.S. possesses social media star Ilona Maher, they’ve struggled to keep pace on the field. Ranked 10th globally, the Eagles have won just four of their last 15 Tests, including heavy defeats to Japan and New Zealand. England, meanwhile, have beaten them by 38 and 40 points in their past two meetings.
A New Era: From The Stoop to Twickenham
Few understand how far women’s rugby has come better than Emily Scarratt, the 35-year-old center set for her fifth Rugby World Cup. The sole survivor from England’s last home tournament in 2010, she recalls when the final was played before 13,253 fans at The Stoop—a then-record crowd.
A home World Cup is massive, Scarratt said. The atmosphere in 2010 was unlike anything we’d experienced. Getting off the bus and hearing the crowd—it was the first time we really felt that energy.
Fifteen years later, the landscape has transformed. Surrey Sports Park, once the hub of pool-stage matches, now hosts Harlequins’ training sessions. The Stoop, which felt like a cathedral of women’s rugby in 2010, will serve as a parking lot for the 2025 final at Twickenham.
When the Red Roses arrive at the Stadium of Light, they’ll be greeted by a roar that underscores how much the game has grown. I don’t think any of us will truly grasp the support until we’re out there, Scarratt admitted.
The question now is whether England can turn this wave of momentum into Rugby World Cup glory—leaving behind past disappointments and writing the next chapter in their dynasty.
For fans and players alike, this isn’t just another tournament. It’s a celebration of how far women’s rugby has come—and a chance for the Red Roses to finally claim the crown they’ve been chasing for over a decade.
—
Coverage details:
– Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
– Date: Friday, 22 August
– Kick-off: 19:30 BST
– Watch live: BBC One, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport website and app.
Related topics: Rugby Union, Women’s Sports, World Cup 2025
