#RWC2025: South Africa trio in World Rugby's team of the week
SPOTLIGHT: Incredible, historic, physical, astonishing, fabulous. One can use these words to describe the first round of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
We witnessed some magnificent tries and four players scoring hat-tricks—one of them even bagged a double hat-trick.
It comes as no surprise that the host nation, England, has four players in World Rugby’s #RWC Team of the Week following their 66–7 win over the USA on Friday.
The match was a historic event with a record attendance of 42,723 spectators in Sunderland.
The four Red Roses players are Hannah Botterman, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne.
South Africa comes in second with three players in the team.
Nadine Roos, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, and hat-trick hero Aseza Hele represent the Springbok Women following their 66-6 win over Brazil on Sunday.
Janse van Rensburg scored a brace of tries, while Roos was impressive, dictating proceedings from the No.9.
Canada and New Zealand each saw two players selected. Canadian winger Julia Schell earned her spot with a six-try haul, joined by captain Sophie de Goede. For New Zealand, Amy Rule and sevens star Jorja Miller were recognised for their impact.
Ireland’s Eve Higgins, Australia’s Cecilia Smith, Scotland’s Francesca McGhie, and USA’s Erica Jarrell-Searcy complete the group.
With more rounds to come and momentum building, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament.
