#RWC2025: The pool of death?
In the first instalment of getting to know the 2025 World Cup Pools, Rugby365 will look at Pool A.
Pool A could be regarded as the ‘Group of Death’ as it consists of England, Australia, USA, and Samoa.
The host, England – known as the Red Roses – are currently ranked the No.1 team in the world and are regarded as one of the favourites to lift the title on home soil.
They are coached by former Bulls head coach John Mitchell.
He took over the reins during the 2023 WXV tournaments, and under his guidance, they have claimed back-to-back Six Nations titles and have become a formidable force in world rugby.
Overall, the side has won 20 Six Nations trophies and 18 Grand Slams.
They have lifted the World Cup twice (1994 and 2014) and have been runners-up on six occasions.
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There has been a massive shift in Australia since former England international Jo Yapp joined as head coach in 2024.
That year saw them line up more Test matches, tour matches for Super Rugby Women’s sides, and implement player contracts at both the national and domestic levels, with the first fully professional contracts being introduced.
On the field, the team experienced some ups and downs, failing to qualify for the 2024 WXV 1 tournament. However, they finished the 2024 season strong, picking up their first silverware in the form of a WXV 2 title in South Africa.
2025 has been a bit of a struggle in terms of results. They managed to beat the USA but suffered defeats to New Zealand and Canada, which saw them conclude this year’s Pacific Four in third place.
Nonetheless, they have shown improvement and will hope to continue growing and hand Yapp a suitable farewell at the World Cup.
The USA will kick off their World Cup campaign with a stern test against host England.
The side had a couple of Tests, including the Pacific Four tournament.
However, there will be concerns for head coach Sione Fukofuka. They concluded the Pacific Four tournament in last place, suffering defeats to Canada (14–26), Australia (27–19), and New Zealand (79–14).
They will certainly take many lessons from those fixtures as they attempt to contest the World Cup.
They last won the World Cup in 1991 and reached the quarterfinals in the 2021 edition.
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For Samoa, this will be their fourth World Cup appearance, but their first one in ten years. The Pacific Islanders have played in three editions (2002, 2006, and 2014).
In 2023, they secured their first Oceania title.
Although they are the underdogs in the pool, the side will be eager to showcase their skills to the world.
They are currently coached by Ramsey Tomokino and are ranked 16th in the world.
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Pool A Fixtures:
Friday, August 23:
England v USA
Saturday, August 24:
Australia v Samoa
Saturday, August 30:
England v Samoa
USA v Australia
Saturday, September 6:
USA v Samoa
England v Australia
