Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – Quarter-Finals Preview
The pool stage is complete, and the top eight sides now turn their attention to the knockout rounds. England, France, New Zealand, and Canada each topped their groups in dominant fashion, while South Africa, Ireland, Australia, and Scotland also booked their quarter-final places. With knockout rugby now upon us, there’s no margin for error, one bad performance and it’s all over.
We preview the 4 quarter-finals and suggest a bet in each game.
Outright Winner Betting – click here to bet
England – 1.25
New Zealand – 5.50
Canada – 7.50
France – 17.00
Ireland – 151.00
Australia – 151.00
South Africa – 251.00
Scotland – 251.00
We take a look at each quarter-final from a betting perspective.
New Zealand v South Africa – click here to bet
New Zealand were clinical in Pool C, topping the group with three comfortable wins, capped by a commanding 40–0 victory over Ireland. Their attack has been ruthless, averaging over 50 points per game. South Africa started strongly in Pool D with wins over Brazil and Italy, but were blown away by France in their final group fixture.
Handicap: New Zealand [-38.5] at 1.91
Verdict
The Black Ferns look far too strong across the park. South Africa will fight hard, but their defence may struggle to contain the pace and precision of New Zealand and the floodgates could open at some point.
Bet
New Zealand -38.5 at 1.91 .
Canada v Australia – click here to bet
Canada dominated Pool B, scoring 147 points and conceding just 26. Their blend of power and control has been impressive throughout, with big wins over Fiji, Wales, and Scotland. Australia scraped through Pool A, winning against Samoa, drawing with the USA and losing against England. While they’ve shown flashes of attacking ability, their defence has looked porous.
Handicap: Canada [-27.5] at 1.95
Verdict
Canada should have too much up front and in the set piece. Australia will need something special from their backline to stay competitive, but Canada are deservedly favourites and can beat this handicap.
Bet
Canada -27.5 at 1.90.
France v Ireland – click here to bet
France were rock solid in Pool D, winning all three of their matches and conceding just 15 points. They ended the pool phase by dismantling South Africa and look to be peaking at the right time. Ireland, beat Japan and Spain but were outclassed by New Zealand in their final pool game, losing 40–0.
Handicap: [-23.5] at 1.95
Verdict
France’s defensive structure and power game should dominate. Ireland will compete at the breakdown, but France should control the tempo and run away with it late.
Bet
France -23.5 at 1.95
England v Scotland – click here to bet
England remain the clear favourites after cruising through Pool A, racking up 208 points in three matches and conceding only 17. Their attack is firing on all cylinders and their set piece is dominant. Scotland impressed with wins over Wales and Fiji, but their defeat to Canada showed the gap that remains to the top tier.
Handicap: England [-40.5] at 1.95
Verdict
England’s power game and backline precision should prove too much for Scotland, who will aim to keep it close early. England are likely to pull away in the second half but I think Scotland can also contribute to the points overs landing.
Bet
Over 55.5 points at 1.90
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
