Weekend Talking Points: Women’s World Cup semi-finals set to bring drama

It’s a blockbuster weekend across the global rugby landscape, with major storylines unfolding in both the international and domestic arenas.

From the high-stakes semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup to the intense Currie Cup final in Johannesburg, there’s no shortage of drama.

Fiji and Japan clash once again for Pacific Nations Cup glory, while the PREM Rugby Cup offers another chance to see rising stars in action.

With plenty on the line, this weekend promises rugby at its very best.

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Canada v New Zealand

It is semi-final time at the Women’s World Cup.

The Black Ferns, six-time Rugby World Cup champions, have built strong momentum through this tournament. A dominant pool stage win over Ireland boosted their confidence, setting the stage for a solid quarter-final victory against South Africa.

That Ireland match carried extra weight — New Zealand’s last World Cup loss came against them in 2014.

Since then, they’ve gone unbeaten and claimed two titles.

Canada, meanwhile, has never won the tournament, with their only final appearance in 2017.

But this current squad is considered their strongest ever, ranked second in the world.

They cruised through the pool phase and dispatched Australia in the quarters.

Now, they’re eyeing an upset over the tournament’s most decorated team and a spot in the sold-out final at Allianz Stadium on 27 September.

England v France

England take on France in Bristol this Saturday, with a place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final on the line.

The Red Roses come in as firm favourites, riding a 31-match winning streak and having beaten France 16 times in a row.

Their last meeting? A dominant 40-6 win in a warm-up match. But France nearly pulled off an upset in April’s Six Nations, falling just 43-42. England stormed past Scotland in the quarter-finals, while France edged Ireland.

Across the tournament, England have racked up 248 points and 38 tries, with winger Jess Breach scoring six.

France’s attack is led by Joanna Grisez and Emilie Boulard, with four tries each.

The winner will head to Twickenham on 27 September to face New Zealand or Canada in the final.

PREM Rugby Cup

Week two of the Premiership Rugby Cup continues this weekend with several exciting group stage clashes.

Gloucester and Bristol Bears kick things off at Kingsholm on Friday, while Saracens host Northampton Saints and Harlequins welcome Leicester Tigers.

On Saturday, Bath begin their campaign at home against Exeter Chiefs.

This tournament, though no longer featuring Championship clubs, remains a valuable platform for player development and squad depth testing.

With a mix of young talent and experienced names, the Cup gives clubs the chance to rotate, experiment, and prepare for the PREM season.

It’s also a great opportunity for fans to see future stars emerge.

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Currie Cup final

The 2025 Carling Currie Cup final promises fireworks as the Fidelity ADT Lions host Suzuki Griquas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Lions, unbeaten at home and fresh off a 67-19 semi-final demolition of Boland, enter as favourites. Griquas, who outmuscled the Cheetahs 25-5 in Kimberley, will be hungry to end a 55-year title drought.

They met recently, with the Lions winning 37-7, but the determined Griquas will look to flip the script.

Expect fireworks from in-form wings Angelo Davids and Gurshwin Wehr, while George Whitehead’s boot could be crucial for the visitors.

With power up front and flair out wide, this final is set to be a thrilling battle between a historic heavyweight and a fearless underdog.

PNC final

The stage is set for a thrilling rematch in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup final, as tournament favourites Fiji and Japan meet once again—this time in Salt Lake City, Utah, at America First Field.

Both sides entered the competition already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and lived up to expectations with dominant semi-final performances.

Defending champions Fiji, ranked ninth in the world, are aiming to retain their crown under coach Mick Byrne, while Eddie Jones‘ Brave Blossoms, ranked 13th, are hungry for revenge after last year’s 41-17 final defeat.

Beyond silverware, crucial World Rugby ranking points are on offer.

Big game in Top 14

The standout clash of the Top 14 weekend sees Toulon host La Rochelle in a Round 3 match at the electric Stade Mayol.

Both sides see themselves as outside contenders in a title race dominated by Toulouse and Bordeaux, making this a crucial early-season test.

Toulon are aiming for a third straight win after grinding past Castres, with Gael Drean and Melvyn Jaminet sealing the comeback.

La Rochelle bounced back in Round 2, defeating Clermont as Antoine Hastoy starred with 19 points.

Known for their physicality and relentless carrying, Ronan O’Gara’s men face a real challenge in Toulon’s fortress by the sea.

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