UPDATE: England has kicked off the 2025 Rugby World Cup with a stunning performance, demolishing the USA with an emphatic 11 tries to secure their status as tournament favorites. This decisive victory, held in Sunderland, showcased England’s potential as they gear up for the championship.
The match, attended by a record-breaking crowd of 42,573 spectators, saw standout performances from players like Hannah Botterman and Megan Jones. Despite some handling errors, England dominated scrums and capitalized on opportunities, leaving their opponents scrambling. The first half featured a brilliant try from Botterman, who executed a clever line run to pierce the USA defense.
Before the kickoff, Sunderland buzzed with excitement, as fans of both teams donned colorful outfits. USA supporters wore hot dog costumes, while England fans sported scarves and cowboy hats, a nod to the growing culture around the team. The festivities included a vibrant opening ceremony featuring pop star Anne-Marie, but the crowd roared louder for Ilona Maher, the USA’s most-followed rugby player.
The match began cautiously, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. England broke the deadlock with a try from Sadia Kabeya, followed by a dazzling play that led to another try, pushing England into a commanding lead. The USA faced setbacks, including a crucial fumble that cost them a guaranteed try and a yellow card for Alev Kelter due to a cynical foul.
As the game progressed, England capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Maud Muir powering through the USA defense to score. The momentum shifted firmly in England’s favor, and the crowd erupted when Jess Breach and Amy Cokayne added to the scoreline, showcasing England’s relentless offensive strategy.
The second half saw England continue to press their advantage, with Emily Scarratt making her fifth Rugby World Cup appearance, becoming the first English player to reach this milestone. England’s scoring spree concluded with a final try from Lark Atkin-Davies, marking their 28th consecutive win.
With this resounding victory, England not only asserted their dominance but also set a high bar for future matches. Next, England faces Samoa, while the USA must regroup quickly before their match against Australia, which has now become a crucial must-win game for their campaign.
Stay tuned for updates as the Rugby World Cup unfolds, with England emerging as a formidable contender for the title they last won in 2014.
