1. Kelter out as USA ring changes for must-win Pool A clash
Even among a weekend a must-not-miss-matches, the heavyweight battle between USA and Australia stands out. And with everything on the line after their opening loss to England, USA head coach, Sione Fukofuka has made nine changes to his match-day 23.
No doubt the headline grabber is the dropping of big-name centre Alev Kelter. Get all the details here.
Kelter’s centre partner Ilona Maher does keep her place – she and the USA will be looking for plenty more moments like this:
2. ‘If it’s not pretty, that’s OK’, says Wallaroos boss Yapp
It may only be week two, but already everywhere you look it is win or bust.
No one is more aware of that than Australia head coach Jo Yapp, whose prime message to her charges is: “If it’s not pretty, that’s okay, but it’s about getting the win this week and we know that.”
With a recent win against the Women’s Eagles under their belt, during this year’s Pacific Four Series, the Wallaroos are giving off a confident aura:
3. Try of the tournament so far?
Fiji face Scotland on Saturday in Manchester knowing they desperately need a win to get out of Pool B and what better way to get their spirits up than by watching replays of their team try v Canada last weekend.
It might have been a rare bright moment in that 65-7 defeat to Canada, but wow, was it a stunner.
4. Get last-minute tickets & plan an unforgettable weekend
There may not be many left… but there are still a few tickets for matches this weekend, waiting for you right here.
Once you’ve got them, head here for top tips on where to go and what to eat and drink in all eight host venues, with the likes of England star Ellie Kildunne serving as your personal guide.
5. Brazil ready for more points, more dancing and… more tears
They might be up against it, facing the mighty France on Sunday at Sandy Park, Exeter (KO 16:45 BST) but RWC debutants Brazil are pumped up for more moments like this:
And like this:
6. Turani typifies toughness and tenacity on show at RWC 2025
Italian prop Silvia Turani distinctly remembers being sat down by her parents, when a rugby-mad student, and urged to “stop playing” this “dangerous sport” and remember rugby is “not a career”.
Now, eight years later she cannot wait to run out in front of a packed York Community Stadium on Sunday for a critical pool-stage match v South Africa at one of the biggest women’s sports events ever. In front of her parents… bring it on!