Weekend Talking Points: Red Roses could break World Cup record against Samoa

A busy weekend of international rugby awaits, with storylines unfolding across both hemispheres.

From the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England to the return of France‘s Pro D2 and the next chapter of the Pacific Nations Cup, there’s no shortage of action to follow.

The second round of the World Cup promises closer contests than the opening weekend, with knockout hopes on the line for several nations.

Meanwhile, Japan and Fiji finally enter the fray in the PNC, and the Pro D2 season kicks off with big ambitions and growing interest.

Whether it’s record-breaking potential, crunch pool deciders, or fresh campaigns beginning, this weekend offers key talking points that could shape the coming weeks across the rugby landscape.

Japan and Fiji start PNC campaigns

Japan and Fiji begin their 2025 Pacific Nations Cup campaigns this weekend, eager to make strong starts in pursuit of the title.

Defending champions Fiji host Tonga in Suva, while last year’s runners-up Japan welcome Canada to Sendai.

Both the Flying Fijians and Brave Blossoms are already qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2027, but there’s plenty at stake, with national pride and the PNC crown on the line.

Fiji, ranked ninth in the world, enter the tournament with a strong lineup featuring four debutants and are determined to defend their title.

Tonga, buoyed by a 30-16 opening win over Samoa, aim to continue their momentum.

In Japan, Eddie Jones‘ side aims to improve on their 2024 campaign, facing a confident Canadian team fresh off a victory over the USA.

The competition heats up ahead of the semi-finals in Denver and finals in Salt Lake City this September.

England to break record?

There is a slight chance that the Red Roses could break a long-standing record this weekend when they face Samoa at Franklin Gardens.

While their opponents were well-beaten 73-0 by Australia in the first round, the tournament hosts won comfortably against the USA, ending up with a 69-7 victory that could easily have been more.

Such is the disparity between the two sides, England may be eyeing up a record victory in the competition, which has been standing for 27 years.

New Zealand beat Germany 134-6 in 1998, and that remains the largest winning margin of any Women’s World Cup fixture, meaning that if England were to beat Samoa by over 128 points, they would take the crown.

If the Red Roses are on their top form, and Samoa fail to play at their absolute peak, there is a chance that it may happen.

The visitors fought until the very end against the Wallaroos and became most people’s second team in Salford, but the gap in quality could prove to be the recipe for a big defeat, unfortunately.

Battle for second in Pool A heats up

With a Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final spot on the line, Australia’s clash with the USA in York is crucial in deciding who finishes second in Pool A.

The Wallaroos, fresh off a record-breaking 73-0 win over Samoa, know that a victory will almost certainly seal a place in the knockouts, especially if England beat Samoa as expected.

Coach Jo Yapp has made four changes to her squad, including the return of Trilleen Pomare and a milestone 40th cap for Michaela Leonard.

While Australia already beat the USA earlier this year, this match carries knockout-like pressure. A loss would put the USA in control heading into the final round.

Yapp summed it up best: “It’s all about the win. If it’s not pretty, that’s okay, it’s about getting the job done this week.”

Pro D2 begins

The Pro D2 season kicks off this weekend, and anticipation is high for what’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling campaigns yet.

Last year saw record crowds, with nearly 5,900 fans turning out on average each matchday, and interest continues to grow.

More overseas players are joining the league, and broadcasters are taking notice too. Canal Plus has handed Brive vs Vannes a prime-time slot on Saturday night.

There’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Grenoble are still chasing a long-awaited promotion after falling short in the final once again, and Provence are aiming to build on last season’s progress under Philippe Saint-Andre.

Across the league, ambition is high and the margins are fine. Expect tension, surprises and fiercely contested rugby right from the start in what is widely regarded as the best second tier in the world.

Tighter second round at the World Cup

Round two of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is here, and this weekend promises to be far more competitive than the largely one-sided matches we saw in the opening round.

While round one delivered thrilling attacking rugby, with over 70 tries scored across eight games, most results were heavily lopsided.

This time, the fixtures are tighter, the stakes are higher, and for some teams, the margin for error is gone.

The standout clash in Pool A sees Australia and the USA battle for a likely quarter-final spot.

Fiji and Scotland is another finely poised matchup, while Ireland will be wary of a passionate Spanish side with a history of upsets.

In Pool D, South Africa could push Italy all the way, with their powerful carrying game turning heads in round one.

READ MORE: Women’s World Cup Team of the Weekend: Red Roses duo headline XV whilst Canada star scores six tries