Organisers of the Women’s Rugby World Cup have insisted that the high number of one-sided matches so far will not dampen the tournament’s momentum, after hailing an “electric” first week. More than 85,000 spectators attended the opening eight group games, with England’s 69-7 thrashing of the United States attracting a peak TV audience of 2.4 million. France’s 24-0 win over Italy also broke records, with 3.2 million watching on TF1 in France.
The difference in standards was evident, however, as the average margin of victory in the first round was 47 points, with no close games. France’s win over Italy was the tightest encounter. More mismatches are expected this weekend, with England facing Samoa—who lost 73-0 to Australia—and New Zealand taking on Japan, whom they beat 95-12 in their only previous meeting.
Yvonne Nolan, competition director for Rugby World Cup 2025, said standards were rising and closer contests would come. “If you like free-flowing rugby and tries, you’re seeing it,” she said. “If you like an arm wrestle, it will come. These matches are going to get tighter and tighter as we get through the pools and into the knockouts. In 2006 I was part of an Ireland team beaten by France 43-0. Today, Ireland are ranked fifth, just behind France. If we all get behind these teams, that performance gap will close.”
World Rugby’s Sally Horrox added that wide margins did not tell the full story, noting that fans were seeing more ball in play, better movement, and higher skill levels. “Those teams in this expanded format—Spain, Brazil and Fiji—really stood up. There was some fearless, brave defence among those teams,” she said. Tournament managing director Sarah Massey reinforced the message, saying that fans were enjoying the experience, with post-match surveys receiving thousands of replies praising the atmosphere.
