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The Wallaroos have been dealt a difficult draw after the pools were confirmed for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Coach Jo Yapp’s side were drawn against hosts England, US and Samoa in Pool A in one of the tougher, if not the toughest groups.
It sets up a potential blockbuster opening game of the tournament for the Aussies against England on home soil.
“It is tough but one that’s got loads of opportunities and that we’re pretty excited about,” Yapp said.
The former English scrumhalf went to three World Cups with the Red Roses, including captaining them in 2006.
Current England skipper Marlie Packer admitted the prospect of coming up against Yapp “added to the magic of the fixture”, which is potentially set to open the tournament on August 22 in Sunderland.
“It’s exciting to be playing England and to be playing a home nation in their home World Cup, I think that’s really exciting,” Yapp says.
“We know that the crowds over in England are going to be huge and it’s going to be the biggest World Cup yet. All of that just adds to the excitement.”
The two sides faced off in the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals as England raced away for a 41-5 victory.
The English have not lost since the World Cup final and sit comfortably clear at the top of the world rankings.
They have drawn ninth-ranked USA, who defeated Australia 32-25 in Melbourne in May and are expected to welcome Sevens stars into their squad, headlined by Ilona Maher.
Samoa rounds out the group, who have not faced Australia since 2009, who defeated them 87-0 in Apia.
Most recently, the Samoans defeated Australia A 20-17 in September.
In Pool B, Pacific Four champions Canada take on Scotland, Wales and Fiji.
Defending champions New Zealand are in Pool C alongside Ireland, Spain and Japan.
France rounds out the pools in Pool D, having drawn Italy, South Africa and Brazil.
“With anticipation building amongst fans and teams for next year’s showpiece event, today marks an important step forward to what will be an unmissable tournament,” Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey, said in a statement
“Next week will see the tournament celebrate another exciting milestone, as we unveil the match schedule, allowing fans, host locations and teams to start preparing their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 experience in earnest.”
THE DRAW:
Pool A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa.
Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji.
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain.
Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil.
