Women’s World Cup Round Two Team of the Week: Red Roses star in record-breaking win

Week two of the Women’s Rugby World Cup delivered drama, emotion, and historic moments, setting the stage for the final round of pool matches.

The tournament saw an instant classic as Australia and the United States battled to a thrilling 31-31 draw, leaving one quarter-final spot in Pool A up for grabs.

Meanwhile, South Africa produced the shock of the weekend, defeating Italy 29-24 to reach the knockout stages for the first time. Elsewhere,

England, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and France secured their places in the quarter-finals with emphatic victories, while young stars like Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Caitlyn Halse continued to shine.

Here, Charlie Elliott picks his Team of the Week after a breathtaking weekend of action.

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15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)

Braxton Sorensen-McGee produced a sensational display in New Zealand’s 62-19 win over Japan, marking herself as a rising star of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Just 18 years old, she ripped through Japan’s defence with power and pace, scoring a superb hat-trick while also impressing off the tee.

Her all-round performance earned her the player of the match award, showcasing maturity beyond her years and underlining why she is tipped for a huge future in the Black Ferns jersey.

A huge honorary mention goes to another 18-year-old, Wallaroos fullback Caitlyn Halse.

Halse was outstanding against the USA and would have easily made it into this team if not for Sorensen-McGee’s slightly better performance.

14. Jess Breach (England)

England’s 92-3 victory over Samoa saw their quarter-final spot confirmed in emphatic fashion, with the team’s attacking power on full display.

The Red Roses’ dominance was highlighted by a hat-trick that included her 50th England try, as Jess Breach combined pace, movement, and finishing to keep Samoa under constant pressure, only occasionally showing minor defensive lapses.

13. Megan Jones (England)

The scoring pace was set early with two quick tries in the first 15 minutes from Jones, thanks to clever running lines and sharp awareness that created space across the field.

Jones’ impact ensured England controlled the game from the outset, her energy and timing allowing teammates to flourish.

12. Ilona Maher (USA)

Ilona Maher was at the heart of the USA’s 31-31 battle with Australia, driving her team’s push to stay in the tournament.

Known for her bulldozing runs, she showed there’s much more to her game, ripping three turnovers and throwing herself into the breakdown with fearless determination.

Time and again, it took multiple defenders to bring her down.

Her tireless energy and grit inspired those around her, setting the standard in a performance full of heart.

11. Francesca McGhie (Scotland)

Francesca McGhie has been a standout performer in this tournament, showing consistency and quality from the start.

After impressing against Wales in the opener, she helped secure Scotland’s 29-15 win over Fiji with a brace of tries, including the opening score and another in the second half.

Equally impressive defensively, McGhie made a heroic try-saving tackle, while her relentless work-rate and support play across the field highlighted her all-round impact for Scotland.

10. Helena Rowland (England)

Calm and precise in execution, conversions and open play distribution were handled with ease, allowing the team to maintain momentum.

Rowland added a try herself, showcasing her reliability and influence as a key attacking playmaker.

9. Nadine Roos (South Africa)

Nadine Roos played a pivotal role in South Africa’s historic 29-24 win over Italy, helping the Bok Women secure their first-ever victory against the Azzurre.

Starting at fullback but eventually ending up at scrum-half, Roos crossed for one of South Africa’s five tries, combining strength and awareness to finish clinically in the backline.

Her timing and composure under pressure, particularly in tight moments, showcased her ability to deliver in crucial situations.

Alongside her teammates, Roos’ performance helped establish South Africa as a serious contender and confirmed their place in the quarter-finals, marking a landmark moment for the Springbok Women in the World Cup.

1. McKinley Hunt (Canada)

McKinley Hunt was a constant threat throughout the match, powering through defensive lines and making decisive contributions in the back row channels.

 Her two tries, combined with relentless carries and a high work rate, showcased her physicality and influence.

Hunt’s presence underpinned Canada’s dominant performance, helping the team secure a spot in the quarter-finals with authority.

2. Vittoria Vecchini (Italy)

Despite Italy’s narrow 29-24 defeat to South Africa, Vittoria Vecchini delivered an impressive performance.

Scoring a crucial try before half-time and later setting up Francesca Sgorbini with a perfectly timed inside pass, Vecchini was at the heart of Italy’s attacking threats from hooker.

Her work rate across the pitch highlighted her quality, even against a dominant Springbok side.

Vecchini’s efforts kept Italy competitive throughout the match against a tough opponent and showcased her ability to influence games at the highest level..

3. Sarah Bern (England)

England’s dominance in the forwards was anchored by a commanding presence at tighthead, with Sarah Bern powering through the scrum and anchoring the set piece.

Her close-range try showcased her attacking threat, while her defensive work and physicality set the tone for the Red Roses throughout the match.

Efficient, relentless, and influential, Bern’s performance underlined why she is regarded as one of the world’s best in her position and a key figure in England’s quarter-final qualification.

4. Sophie de Goede (Canada)

Canada’s commanding 42-0 win over Wales was guided by the brilliance of Sophie de Goede.

Flawless off the tee and dominant in defence, she combined elite hands with tactical awareness to control the game.

Her composure and all-round skill ensured Canada capitalised on every opportunity, driving the team to a convincing quarter-final qualification and cementing her role as the heart of the side.

5. Grace Moore (Ireland)

Grace Moore was a standout for Ireland in their 43-27 win over Spain, impressing at No.8 while being selected in this team as a second-rower due to her versatility.

Stepping in for Brittany Hogan at the back of the scrum, Moore dominated physically and set the tone for her side.

Her two second-half tries were crucial in keeping Spain at bay, with the first highlighting her skill and agility as she powered past three defenders in a tight space.

6. Freda Tafuna (USA)

On the eve of her 22nd birthday, Freda Tafuna delivered a Player of the Match performance in the USA’s thrilling 31-31 draw with Australia.

She ignited the comeback with the opening try, added a second from a driving maul, and sealed her hat-trick with a well-timed close-range finish.

More than just a scorer, Tafuna’s sharp offloads, relentless carrying, and constant threat in attack lifted those around her, marking a night she and the USA won’t forget.

7. Jorja Miller (New Zealand)

In New Zealand’s commanding 62-19 victory over Japan, Jorja Miller underlined her importance with a powerful all-action display.

Scoring twice, the flanker showed why she is regarded as a rare hybrid talent, equally dangerous in attack and adaptable across the field.

While her energy and creativity drove the Black Ferns forward, a couple of penalties and defensive errors gave Japan brief openings.

Even so, Miller’s influence remains pivotal to New Zealand’s World Cup ambitions.

8. Evie Gallagher (Scotland)

Evie Gallagher has been a standout for Scotland, securing her second consecutive TOTW selection after being named Player of the Match.

A powerhouse at the breakdown, she repeatedly turned over possession while carrying strongly to propel her team forward.

Her tireless work rate and consistent physicality make her a key figure in Scotland’s pack, providing the backbone of their forward dominance and setting the standard for the team throughout the tournament so far.

By Charlie Elliott

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