2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup – Semi-Final Preview
We are down to the last four teams in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. England remain the outright favourites, but Canada, New Zealand, and France have all shown they are capable of challenging on their day. The pool stage and quarter-finals gave us some fascinating rugby and betting angles, and the semi-finals should deliver more of the same.
Current Outright Betting – click here to bet
England 1/4
New Zealand 6/1
Canada 7/1
France 25/1
FRIDAY
New Zealand v Canada – click here to bet
Handicap: New Zealand [1.5] at 1.91
How they got here
New Zealand topped Pool C with three wins from three. They swept aside Spain and Japan with big margins before proving too strong for Ireland in Brighton, where their defence really tightened up. In the quarter-finals, the Black Ferns beat South Africa 46–17. Although they ran away late, South Africa exposed them at times in the first-half.
Canada have been one of the most impressive sides of the tournament. They topped Pool B after comfortable wins over Fiji, Wales, and Scotland, conceding just 26 points in total across those three matches. In the quarter-finals they delivered one of the standout performances of the World Cup, hammering Australia 46–5 in Bristol.
Verdict
New Zealand are slight favourites, but based on performances so far, Canada look just as strong and may even have the edge. This could be the tightest of the semi-finals and I think Canada edge it.
Bet: Canada win at 2.20
SATURDAY
France v England – click here to bet
Handicap: France [+21.5] at 1.95
How they got here
France were equally dominant in Pool D, posting three big wins, including an 84–5 thrashing of Brazil and a decisive 57–10 victory over South Africa. Their quarter-final against Ireland was a real arm-wrestle, but they held firm in the closing stages to edge it 18–13. They face a tougher challenge now, and will have to do it without key forwards Manaé Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu, both suspended.
England stormed through Pool A, crushing the USA, Samoa, and Australia, scoring over 200 points and conceding only 17. In the quarter-finals, they maintained their defensive steel with a 40–8 win over Scotland. They have looked clinical in every match so far, and remain unbeaten.
Verdict
England look unstoppable at this stage. France will bring passion and physicality, but the disruption to their pack makes the task even tougher. The market has them clear underdogs, and it is hard to see past another Red Roses win.
Bet: England -21.5 at 1.85
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
