The Women’s World Cup pool stages have now reached their conclusion, and the final round didn’t disappoint.
It was a weekend that may not have seen much jeopardy in terms of qualification, but more than made up for it with every pool seeing the top two sides face-off for a chance at top spot, and the bottom two battling it out to avoid finishing bottom.
Among the chaos, certain players rose above the rest, delivering moments of brilliance that earn them a place in our Team of the Week.
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15 — Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Italy)
Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi produced the kind of performance that makes full-backs shine.
She crossed the line three times herself and had a hand in setting up others, showing vision and flair in equal measure.
Beyond the scores, her calm control and sharp decision-making gave Italy the confidence to play with freedom.
A complete display from a rising star.
14 — Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
At just 18 years old, Braxton Sorensen-McGee is quickly becoming one of the stories of this World Cup.
Against Ireland she scored another hat-trick, taking her tally to six.
The highlight came with her first effort, beating three defenders in a dazzling solo run.
Full of energy, she’s thriving on the trust of her teammates and looks fearless on the big stage.
13 — Josifini Neihamu (Fiji)
Josifini Neihamu was electric against Wales, grabbing two tries that swung the momentum Fiji’s way.
Her pace and strength cut open the defence and kept her side on the front foot.
It was a Player of the Match performance, full of intent and belief, as she led the charge in one of Fiji’s most memorable victories on the world stage.
12 — Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand)
Sylvia Brunt caused constant problems for Ireland’s defence, hitting hard lines and carving open space in midfield.
Her sharp running forced Ireland to scramble, often leaving gaps for others to finish.
Alongside Stacey Waaka, she formed a devastating centre pairing, and her composure under pressure helped New Zealand control the game.
Brunt looked every bit the modern, dynamic centre.
11 — Francesca Granzotto (Italy)
Francesca Granzotto played with a smile and a swagger, finishing with three tries that lit up Italy’s win.
She was everywhere in open play, always looking to inject pace and spark attacks.
While her goal-kicking let her down with three missed conversions, her influence was undeniable.
It was a statement performance from a winger who thrives on taking chances.
10 — Helen Nelson (Scotland)
This wasn’t Helen Nelson’s sharpest outing, with a missed touch finder and an offside penalty costing Scotland in key moments.
Yet she remained at the centre of her side’s best attacking passages, steering play and keeping the backline organised.
With fly-halves thin on standout displays this week, Nelson’s influence and involvement ensured she still earns her place.
9 — Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France)
France’s tempo lived and breathed through Pauline Bourdon Sansus.
She controlled the pace from scrum-half, sniping around the fringes, defending bravely, and sparking waves of French attack.
While she didn’t cross the try line herself, her fingerprints were all over the win.
It was an influential performance that once again underlined why she’s considered among the world’s best nines.
1 — Hope Rogers (USA)
Hope Rogers gave Samoa a torrid afternoon, scoring two tries and dominating at scrum time.
Her sheer power was obvious, but what stood out was her relentless carrying, 17 runs, the most by any player on the field.
Every surge gained ground and lifted her team.
Rogers was the heartbeat of the USA pack and a constant source of momentum.
2 — Emily Tuttosi (Canada)
Back at her home ground Sandy Park, Emily Tuttosi was unstoppable.
The hooker powered over for two tries, while racking up 13 carries, three line breaks and 13 tackles.
She was a constant threat in tight exchanges, but equally effective in open play.
Canada leaned heavily on her accuracy and energy, and she delivered in spades with a complete all-round showing.
3 — Sara Seye (Italy)
Sara Seye threw herself into the contest with determination, putting in a string of solid tackles and working hard in the scrum.
Her afternoon, though, ended early after taking a heavy knock just before half-time.
Until that point, she was a reliable presence, helping Italy hold their shape in the forward battle.
4 — Sophie de Goede (Canada)
Sophie de Goede put together a masterclass in all-round play.
She topped both the tackle (17) and carry (18) counts, while also adding three conversions to her tally.
Her sublime pickup and offload to set up Tuttosi’s try was a highlight.
Other than a rare lineout penalty, she was close to flawless, mixing physicality, skill, and leadership in one commanding performance.
5 — Abbie Ward (England)
Abbie Ward had to fight for control against Australia‘s strong lineout pair, and the opening exchanges weren’t easy.
But the England lock found her rhythm, scoring from close range and steadying her side when they needed composure.
She may not have hit her usual heights, yet her experience and resilience made sure England had a platform to build from.
6 — Morwenna Talling (England)
Morwenna Talling was a tackling machine against Australia, repeatedly halting ball carriers in their tracks.
Her defensive steel stood out during a sluggish first half for England, as she absorbed pressure and set the tone physically.
Forced off for an HIA just after the hour mark, she still left her mark as one of the Red Roses’ toughest defenders.
7 — Freda Tafuna (USA)
Freda Tafuna played like a forward with the speed of a winger.
She scored four tries against Samoa, including a searing solo run, and carried 167 metres across 15 bursts.
At just 22, she combined raw power with clinical finishing, accounting for a third of her team’s points.
Tireless and composed, Tafuna proved herself one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
8 — Sadia Kabeya (England)
Sadia Kabeya was everywhere against the Wallaroos, constantly disrupting breakdowns and chopping down runners.
She grabbed two tries, one from the back of a maul and another chasing up a kick, to cap her hard work.
Despite playing as an openside flanker, she slots seamlessly into No.8 for this team.
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