Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – Matchday 1 Betting Preview

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend in England, with all 16 teams in action across Sunderland, Manchester, Exeter, Northampton, York, and Brighton. This expanded format promises more rugby and more betting opportunities than ever before and we are getting involved in 6 of the 8 matches.

Hosts England (1.33)* open the tournament on Friday night against the USA, and as clear outright favourites they’ll be looking to lay down a marker in front of a home crowd. Defending champions New Zealand (3.80) start their title defence against Spain, while perennial contenders Canada (7.50) and France (15.00) also get their campaigns underway with strong expectations.

For punters, Matchday 1 is a mix of huge handicaps and tight battles. The heavyweights England, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa (151.00 outright outsiders but expected to dominate Brazil) are all tipped for comfortable wins. The tighter contests come in Scotland (251.00) v Wales (251.00) and France v Italy (251.00), where the spreads are much smaller.

*Tournament Winner Odds in brackets – click here for outright markets 

England vs USA – 22 August – click here to bet

Handicap: England -53.5
England are ruthless starters at World Cups and the USA have had mixed results leading into the tournament. The handicap is big but not big enough in my opinion.
Bet: England -53.5 at 1.95

Australia vs Samoa – 23 August – click here to bet

Handicap: Australia -35.5
Samoa are unlikely to cope physically but this is a big handicap and I won’t be having a bet. Look out for the points lines, there could be some value there.
Bet: No Bet

Scotland vs Wales – 23 August – click here to bet

Handicap: Scotland -5.5
The tightest handicap of Matchday 1 but I am leaning Scotland to beat the handicap but only just.
Bet: Winning Margin Scotland by 8-14 inclusive at 4.00

Canada vs Fiji – 23 August – click here to bet

Handicap: Canada -51.5
I am backing Canada for a fast start.

Bet: Canada half time handicap -24.5 at 1.90

France vs Italy – 23 August – click here to bet

Handicap: France -20.5
Italy are improving but France’s power game should be too much and I think they will pull clear late on.
Bet: France -20.5 at 1.95

Ireland vs Japan – 24 August – click here to bet

Handicap: Ireland -21.5
Japan bring flair but Ireland’s defence makes the minus line attractive. The bet I prefer though is under 52.5 points
Bet: Under 52.5 points at 1.90

South Africa vs Brazil – 24 August – click here to bet

Handicap: South Africa -46.5
Brazil debut at this level and the improving SA side should win big.
Bet: South Africa -46.5 at 1.90

New Zealand vs Spain – 24 August – click here to bet

Handicap: New Zealand -64.5
Huge number but Black Ferns often start fast and this is a minus play or no bet for me. At the moment I am siding with the latter.
Bet: No Bet

Note Prices correct at the time of posting but are subject to change