England's Red Roses delivered a thunderous statement of intent at a packed Twickenham Stadium, dismantling Australia 44-12 in a spectacular opening to their 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign.
From the first whistle, the hosts demonstrated why they are among the tournament favourites, showcasing a blistering blend of power, precision, and pace that left the Wallaroos reeling. The electric atmosphere at HQ was matched only by the intensity on the pitch.
First-Half Onslaught Sets the Tone
The Red Roses exploded out of the blocks, with full-back Ellie Kildunne crossing for the first of her tries within minutes. Helena Rowland, pulling the strings from fly-half, orchestrated the attack with sublime skill, adding a try of her own to cement a dominant first-half performance.
England's formidable pack laid the foundation, dominating the set-piece and breakdown with ruthless efficiency. The Wallaroos, despite moments of resistance, simply had no answer to the relentless waves of attack.
Kildunne Shines as Player of the Match
Ellie Kildunne was the undisputed star of the show, earning the Player of the Match honour with a breathtaking individual performance. Her second-half try, a stunning solo effort that saw her slice through the Australian defence, brought the roaring Twickenham crowd to its feet.
Her pace and elusiveness from the back proved to be a constant nightmare for the visitors, cementing her status as one of the world's most dangerous attacking players.
Wallaroos Fight Back But Fall Short
To their credit, Australia refused to capitulate completely. They managed to breach the English defence for two consolation tries, offering glimpses of their potential. However, their efforts were ultimately in vain against an English side operating at near-perfect levels.
Handling errors and ill-discipline at critical moments cost the visitors dearly, preventing them from ever building sustained pressure.
A Warning Shot to World Cup Rivals
This comprehensive victory sends a clear message to the rest of the competition. The Red Roses, playing with confidence and cohesion, have laid down a significant marker. The performance will be analysed by their remaining Pool A opponents as a blueprint of their formidable challenge.
With momentum firmly on their side, England now looks ahead to their next fixture, brimming with confidence and the full-throated support of a nation behind them.
