Women's Rugby World Cup Final Tips: England can edge past impressive Canada
We’ve reached the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the showpiece promises to be a fascinating clash between England and Canada.
The hosts had not really been tested until their semi-final success over France, but Canada pose a serious threat to their hopes of winning a third world title.
England have won the last five meetings between the sides and with the vocal home backing on Saturday, should have enough to lift the trophy.
Tip 1 - England to win in regular time @ 2/5
The Red Roses go into the Twickenham showpiece having set a new world record of 32 successive Test match victories.
John Mitchell’s squad still has some of the players that played in the final against New Zealand four years ago.
It was heartbreak for England in 2021, as they eventually went down 34-31 to the Black Ferns at Eden Park.
On home soil this time around, England have seemed determined to eradicate the memories of the last World Cup and be crowned champions for the first time since 2014.
Canada are looking for their first World Cup success and are playing in the final for just the second time, having been beaten by England 11 years ago.
The Canucks cruised through the group stage, conceding just 26 points across their three matches, before seeing off Australia and New Zealand en-route to the final.
You have to go back to 2013 for the last time England lost to Canada and with home advantage this weekend, that run looks set to be extended.
Tip 2 - England to win by 1-12 points @ 13/8
Canada have shown enough in this tournament to suggest they can make life difficult for England and run the hosts close.
The Red Roses beat France by 18 points in the semi-finals and Canada are likely to test them even more than Les Bleus.
The belief amongst Kevin Rouet’s ladies would have increased after victory over the defending champions New Zealand and their recent games with England make interesting reading.
The last time the teams met was in Vancouver in October 2024, when England ran out victors with a nine-point margin, thanks to a 21-12 success.
Their last World Cup meeting was also a tight encounter, with just seven points between them in the 2021 semi-final, which England won 26-19.
Tip 3 - First Try - Canada @ 6/5
Fast starts have been a notable factor in Canada’s results at this World Cup and the Maple Leafs will look to get on the front foot early.
Canada scored two tries within the first 12 minutes of their semi-final win over New Zealand and crossed four times in 21 minutes during the quarter-final success against Australia.
In their 40-19 victory over Scotland, the North Americans also scored first, running in the first of their six tries after just 11 minutes.
It’s also worth noting that Canada’s back-row, Sophie de Goede, is the second-highest points scorer in the tournament, with 58 points across their five fixtures to date.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change