Thrilling second round unpicked
We were treated to two all-time classics in week two of Rugby World Cup 2025, both at the York Community Stadium. USA and Australia played out a pulsating draw on the Saturday, before South Africa made history by beating Italy a day later to qualify for the Women’s Rugby World Cup knockouts for the first time.
There was also tense battle between Scotland and Fiji at the Salford Community Stadium and huge celebrations – despite defeat – as Brazil notched their first ever Rugby World Cup try.
Missed some of the action? Not to worry, RugbyPass has you covered with what we learned from round two of the pool stage.
Quarter-final permutations broken down
England, New Zealand, Canada, France, Scotland and Ireland have all joined South Africa in punching their quarter-final tickets with wins in week two, but there is still plenty to play for in the final games of the pool stage this coming weekend as teams jostle for top seedings and that final knockout spot.
England, Australia and USA will battle it out for supremacy in Pool A, with the Red Roses and Wallaroos facing off in Brighton in what promises to be a thrilling showdown this Saturday.
Confused about who needs what in order to qualify top of their pool or nab that final quarter-final spot? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the permutations which you can red here.
History-making Risi Pouri-Lane no one-trick pony
We’ve got plenty of incredible athletes at #RWC2025, some of whom have already achieved big things in other sports.
one of whom is New Zealand’s Risi Pouri-Lane, who was a top international judoka – which she says has been invaluable when it comes to coping with the grind of rugby.
“My mum always said that from when I was a young age that it has helped me with the physical side of rugby and I definitely believe her,” she said. “It’s definitely helped me a lot on my journey and I’m very grateful that I’ve had it in my journey.”
Pouri-Lane also won gold playing sevens at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, and when she was later part of the team that won sevens gold at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she became the first New Zealander in history to win gold in the Youth Olympics and the Olympics.
Rugby’s values on display across #RWC2025
While silverware and medals are important, the values of rugby are definitely up there with the main reason people love to play the game.
Following Scotland’s closely fought win against Fiji in Manchester on Saturday, there was a touching moment in the changing rooms as the two sides’ captains swapped gifts.
There were also touching scenes after the final whistle in the game between England and Samoa. While there will be plenty of highs and lows throughout this tournament and a lot of tension between rivals, the game continues to be played in the spirit originally intended.
‘Gwijo uplifts your confidence’
Plenty of teams at Rugby World Cup 2025 have put their cultures on full display; the Fijians with their incredible singing, the Brazilians with their dancing, and the Black Ferns’ powerful Haka.
For their part, the South Africans have been delighting their Rugby World Cup hosts with their Gwijo singing, a tradition which originates from when Xhosa warriors would sing together to prepare for an upcoming battle.
“Gwijo is something to distract your mind. It uplifts your confidence,” said prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki. You can read all about Gwijo here.
And finally… fish flops
Yes, fish flops. When asked about what she takes on tour with her, Australia’s Lori Cramer told the female athlete project podcast:
“I don’t leave home without my Meryl Streep shirt because she’s just the GOAT.”
So far so good. But then she revealed her “comfy” flip flops are always on the aeroplane as well. “Nobody steals them,” she added.
We can’t figure out why….