The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has hit the sharp end. England look the most likely to make the final, at least on paper, yet New Zealand, Canada, and France still have real stakes here.
These semi finals pull together teams with proper World Cup history, recent runs of form, and for a couple, a bit of a point to prove.
Bookmakers shifted their prices after the quarters, which gives a decent read on the market mood. It paints a simple picture at the top, though the matches rarely stick to neat scripts. With tactics jostling against sheer power, momentum might swing in a single sequence.
Past meetings, selection calls, and any sliver of home comfort will matter more than usual. Semi finals carry favourites and underdogs, yes, but also the itch of old rivalries being poked again.
England go in as heavy favourites, around 1/5 to lift the trophy, backed by a near spotless stretch of results. Many expect Simon Middleton’s group to have too much for France, a side England have beaten in 14 of the last 15 clashes. Recent outings have underlined a sharp attack and blistering line speed that can turn a nip-and-tuck game into a statement win. The handicap sits at -21.5 against France, which suggests the market leans toward a comfortable gap rather than late drama.
Form at home is another key reason: England have won 61 of their last 62 matches on home soil, making them reliable for anyone following Rugby betting insights.
It is not just the set piece and discipline that carry them. The relentless pressure across the full 80 minutes keeps opponents penned in, which probably explains those short prices. Few teams match the blend of control and punch when the stakes rise, and France, as improved as they are in patches, still have to prove they can live with it for long stretches.
New Zealand sit second with most firms at around 5/1, heading into a semi against Canada. The Black Ferns carry the champion’s aura and usually find another gear when it becomes knockout rugby, even if the pool stage had a few bumps. Canada arrive with momentum and a pack that looks better each month, which is probably the sternest test New Zealand have had so far.
The market still tilts toward the Black Ferns, just not by a mile. Canada at 7/1 to win the whole thing signals respect for their uptick, with a hint of doubt about whether they can unpick New Zealand’s big-game know-how. Either could pose questions for England if they get through, though it is fair to say New Zealand are seen as the more likely foils. Expect collisions to be a theme and the margin to live in the balance longer than some predict.
France walk into a familiar storm against England and the numbers show it. At around +1100 outright, they are the longest shot left and recent history has often tilted the field away from them. Most tipping angles point to England’s structure and scoring efficiency as decisive.
There is still a path, thin as it seems. France have tightened up in the tougher fixtures and rotated smartly to keep legs fresh. Their route to an upset likely runs through slowing England’s tempo, nicking turnovers off set piece pressure, and being ruthless when chances appear. It is a tall order against the competition’s best defence, but World Cups tend to hand out at least one shock that breaks the bracket. France will be hoping this is the week.
Multiples lean toward an England and New Zealand final. England’s control, their adaptability, and that imposing home record reduce the room for doubt among bettors. New Zealand’s variety in attack and their history in these moments keep them a nose ahead of Canada in most projections.
Still, rugby has a way of ripping up tidy previews. If France springs something or Canada lands a big punch up front, the whole final picture changes. As it stands, the broad consensus is steady enough. England are expected to move past France, and New Zealand are tipped to shade Canada in a closer contest. Traditional power remains the anchor, although nothing is locked.
Keep betting in perspective. Enjoy rugby first, set limits, and treat every prediction as a guide that might be wrong. Wager only what you can afford to lose and step away regularly. If betting starts to feel like a problem, reach out for help and use the support services available
