England thrash Australia 47-7 in dominant World Cup performance
Ellie Kildunne of England is tackled by Adiana Talakai (L) and Lydia Kavoa of Australia
England delivered a clinical and commanding performance to thrash Australia 47–7 in their Pool A fixture at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The Red Roses ran in seven tries, with Zoe Harrison converting five of them, while Australia struggled to build on their early lead after a promising start.
The match opened with a surprise jolt from Australia, as Adiana Talakai crossed the whitewash in the 5th minute, following a powerful driving maul. Samantha Wood added the extras in the 6th minute, giving the Wallaroos a 7–0 lead.
That lead was short-lived. England immediately stepped up their intensity and began applying relentless pressure. In the 9th minute, winger Jess Breach broke through the line to dot down, beginning England’s reply.
The Red Roses continued to dominate territory and possession. Abbie Ward powered over in the 33rd minute, showcasing England’s set-piece strength. Just five minutes later, Sadia Kabeya added a third try for England in the 38th minute, a well-timed break down the blind side.
Zoe Harrison slotted the conversion in the 39th minute, and England went into half-time with a comfortable 19–7 lead.
The second half saw England open the floodgates. Kabeya added her second try in the 43rd minute, demonstrating incredible pace and support play. Harrison was again accurate with the boot, adding the conversion in the 44th minute.
Australia’s woes deepened in the 53rd minute, when Faitala Moleka was shown a yellow card for repeated infringements. England capitalised immediately with Kelsey Clifford scoring a try in the 54th minute, converted again by Harrison in the 55th minute.
Just five minutes later, Clifford crossed for her second try of the evening in the 59th minute, and Harrison calmly added the conversion in the 60th minute.
England’s final blow came from Sarah Bern, who bulldozed over in the 65th minute. Harrison added her fifth conversion of the night in the 66th minute, pushing the score to 47–7.
Bern was later sent to the sin bin in the 71st minute, but by then the damage had been done, and England closed out the match with ease.
