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Women’s Rugby World Cup – Pool D

South Africa (26) 66

Tries: Roos, Hele 3, Malinga 2, Janse van Rensburg 2, Ngwevu, Makua Cons: Dolf 8

Brazil (3) 6

“We are here to show Brazil have more than just soccer.”

Fly-half Raquel Kochhann may not have achieved her initial dream of playing football for her country, but she did get the chance to show her kicking skills on the world stage.

Brazil were 12-0 down to South Africa on their Women’s Rugby World Cup debut when a penalty was awarded.

From just outside the 22, and at a slight angle, it was that awkward kick that you should get, but it was far from a gimme.

It was never in doubt and Kochhann’s historic strike sailed through with ease, as did a penalty in the second half.

Those were the only scores registered by Brazil as they fell to a heavy opening 66-6 defeat, but afterwards the players stressed the significance of becoming the first South American team to make the Women’s World Cup.

“We are so excited to be here to show the world Brazilian rugby,” said Kochhann.

“I am really sure we are inspiring young girls and players in Brazil to see a future by seeing us play at the highest level possible.”

Brazil’s World Cup debut was much anticipated because of their sevens flair, but it was their toughness and bravery in defence that stood out.

A large portion of the squad come from tough favelas, and have had to fight harder than most to reach the global stage.

Kochhann, who won her seventh XVs cap in Northampton, is a sevens specialist and has been to three Olympic Games, overcoming breast cancer to feature in Paris last year.

The lowest-ranked team at the tournament in 25th, Brazil had only played 16 Tests of XV-a-side rugby prior to the tournament. They only celebrated their first win in 2023 over Portugal.

Even when the Brazil national anthem ended in Northampton, the players continued to sing full of emotion.

“We screamed to everyone that we are warriors and are ready,” Kochhann added.

“It is really important that we had a load of Brazilians here and those supporting us in Brazil. This energy is important to show people are looking out and caring about us.

“It shows rugby matters, I love this energy. I am super excited to see how our team grows.

Bianca Silva’s excellent early try-saving tackle on Ayanda Malinga typified that warrior mindset – one of 168 tackles her team made in the game.

Springbok number eight Aseza Hele bagged a hat-trick and was one player Brazil could simply not stop because of her brutal power.

The Brazil supporters remained loud throughout the game, bringing a positive and fun attitude even in defeat.

Nadia is from one of the smallest states in Brazil and relocated to England three years ago.

“It doesn’t matter which part of Brazil you are from, and it is huge, but it feels like one, there was no way I couldn’t be here as I had to support the team,” she told BBC Sport.

“Brazil qualifying for the World Cup has been huge for the country to show how much you can do. This can get more funding, support and people playing.”

Fabiano, who was a number eight in his youth, travelled all the way from Sao Paulo for the game with his son Fergus and daughter Bella.

Brazil’s women’s sevens team have qualified for the past three Olympics and finished ninth in the recent World Series.

“Since the Rio Olympics the sport has grown. We liked that it was fast,” he told BBC Sport.

“I heard the women’s team warmed up with music and samba while training. It brings happiness to the game, that’s why we like it.

“Brazil has the potential to really like XVs, it is a team game like football. We like ball!”

Brazil now face France, who defeated Italy in their opening game, in Exeter next Saturday.

Les Bleues, ranked fourth in the world, are contenders to win the tournament and will be a big step up in competition.

South Africa: Dolf; Dolf, Mpupha, Ngwevu, Malinga; Van Rensburg, Roos; Charlie, Gwala, Latsha, Booi (capt), Lochner, Solontsi, Mcatshulwa, Hele.

Replacements: Gunter, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Makua, Jacobs, Tose, Cilliers.

Brazil: Silva; Barth, Fioravanti, Nicolau, Santini; Kochhann, Mayumi Bednarski; Barros, Leni Lima, Prioste, Coimbra, Souza, Henwood, Carvalho, Carvalo.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Holly Wood (England), Jess Ling (Australia)

Pool D of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

South Africa (26) 66

Cons: Dolf 8; Tries: Roos, Hele 3, Malinga 2, Janse van Rensburg 2, Ngwevu, Makua

Brazil (3) 6

“We are here to demonstrate that Brazil has more than just soccer.”

Raquel Kochhann, a flyhalf, did not realize her initial ambition to play football for her country, but she did get the chance to demonstrate her kicking prowess on the international stage.

On their Women’s Rugby World Cup debut, Brazil were 2-0 up against South Africa on penalties.

It was an awkward kick from a slight angle just outside the 22, but it was far from a gimme.

Both a penalty and Kochhann’s legendary strike sailed through the second half with ease.

Brazil’s only official scores of 66-6 were recorded by them as they suffered a significant opening defeat, but the players later stressed the significance of making the women’s world’s first South American team.

“We’re so excited to be playing Brazilian rugby here,” Kochhann said.

“I’m really confident that we are guiding young Brazilian girls and players toward a bright future by ensuring that our game is played at the highest level possible.”

Due to their sevens flair, Brazil’s World Cup debut was eagerly awaited, but it was their toughness and bravery that stood out.

The squad has had to work harder than most to reach the global stage because a large portion of them is from tough favelas.

Kochhann, who won her seventh XVs cap in Northampton, is a sevens expert and has attended three Olympic games, including one where she battled breast cancer.

Brazil, the 25th-ranked team at the tournament, had only ever played 16 XV-a-side rugby Tests before the competition. Their first victory over Portugal came in 2023.

The players continued to sing full of emotion even after Northampton’s performance of the Brazilian national anthem came to an end.

“We yelled out to everyone that we were prepared and warriors,” Kochhann continued.

“It is really important that there were plenty of Brazilians here and there supporting us there.” This energy is crucial to demonstrating that people care about us and are looking out for us.

I adore this energy because it proves rugby matters. I’m very interested to see how our team develops.

One of the 168 tackles her team made in the game was Bianca Silva’s excellent early try-saving tackle on Ayanda Malinga, which epitomized the warrior mindset.

Aseza Hele, the eighth-ranked Springbok, scored a hat-trick and was one of Brazil’s unstoppable players due to her brutality.

Even in defeat, the Brazil supporters kept the crowd oozing with cheer and fun throughout the game.

Nadia moved to England three years ago after moving from one of Brazil’s smallest states.

There was no way I couldn’t be here because I had to support the team, she said, “It’s not matter which region of Brazil you are from, and it’s huge, but it feels like one.”

Brazil’s success in qualifying for the World Cup has demonstrated how effective you are, according to the nation. This could result in more funding, more encouragement, and more gamers.

Fabiano, who was a number eight in his youth, traveled from Sao Paulo with his daughter Bella and son Fergus.

The women’s sevens team from Brazil qualified for the past three Olympics and placed ninth overall overall.

The sport has grown since the Rio Olympics, according to the statement. He told BBC Sport, “We liked how quick it was.”

“During training, I overheard the women’s team getting warmed up with samba and music. We enjoy it because it makes the game happy.

Brazil has the potential to “like” XVs because it’s a team game like football. “We enjoy ball!”

Next Saturday in Exeter, Brazil will face France, who defeated Italy in their opening game.

Les Bleues, who is fourth in the world, are a potential winner, and their competition will be much tougher.

Gunter, Ngxingolo, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Makua, Jacobs, Tose, Cilliers as replacements.

Brazil’s top athletes: Silva, Barth, Fioravanti, Nicolau, Nicolau, Santini, Kochhann, Mayumi Bednarski, Barros, Leni Lima, Prioste, Coimbra, Souza, Henwood, Carvalho, Carvalho.

Holly Wood (England) and Jess Ling (Australia) serve as assistant referees.

Women’s Rugby World Cup – Pool D

South Africa (26) 66

Tries: Roos, Hele 3, Malinga 2, Janse van Rensburg 2, Ngwevu, Makua Cons: Dolf 8

Brazil (3) 6

“We are here to show Brazil have more than just soccer.”

Fly-half Raquel Kochhann may not have achieved her initial dream of playing football for her country, but she did get the chance to show her kicking skills on the world stage.

Brazil were 12-0 down to South Africa on their Women’s Rugby World Cup debut when a penalty was awarded.

From just outside the 22, and at a slight angle, it was that awkward kick that you should get, but it was far from a gimme.

It was never in doubt and Kochhann’s historic strike sailed through with ease, as did a penalty in the second half.

Those were the only scores registered by Brazil as they fell to a heavy opening 66-6 defeat, but afterwards the players stressed the significance of becoming the first South American team to make the Women’s World Cup.

“We are so excited to be here to show the world Brazilian rugby,” said Kochhann.

“I am really sure we are inspiring young girls and players in Brazil to see a future by seeing us play at the highest level possible.”

Brazil’s World Cup debut was much anticipated because of their sevens flair, but it was their toughness and bravery in defence that stood out.

A large portion of the squad come from tough favelas, and have had to fight harder than most to reach the global stage.

Kochhann, who won her seventh XVs cap in Northampton, is a sevens specialist and has been to three Olympic Games, overcoming breast cancer to feature in Paris last year.

The lowest-ranked team at the tournament in 25th, Brazil had only played 16 Tests of XV-a-side rugby prior to the tournament. They only celebrated their first win in 2023 over Portugal.

Even when the Brazil national anthem ended in Northampton, the players continued to sing full of emotion.

“We screamed to everyone that we are warriors and are ready,” Kochhann added.

“It is really important that we had a load of Brazilians here and those supporting us in Brazil. This energy is important to show people are looking out and caring about us.

“It shows rugby matters, I love this energy. I am super excited to see how our team grows.

Bianca Silva’s excellent early try-saving tackle on Ayanda Malinga typified that warrior mindset – one of 168 tackles her team made in the game.

Springbok number eight Aseza Hele bagged a hat-trick and was one player Brazil could simply not stop because of her brutal power.

The Brazil supporters remained loud throughout the game, bringing a positive and fun attitude even in defeat.

Nadia is from one of the smallest states in Brazil and relocated to England three years ago.

“It doesn’t matter which part of Brazil you are from, and it is huge, but it feels like one, there was no way I couldn’t be here as I had to support the team,” she told BBC Sport.

“Brazil qualifying for the World Cup has been huge for the country to show how much you can do. This can get more funding, support and people playing.”

Fabiano, who was a number eight in his youth, travelled all the way from Sao Paulo for the game with his son Fergus and daughter Bella.

Brazil’s women’s sevens team have qualified for the past three Olympics and finished ninth in the recent World Series.

“Since the Rio Olympics the sport has grown. We liked that it was fast,” he told BBC Sport.

“I heard the women’s team warmed up with music and samba while training. It brings happiness to the game, that’s why we like it.

“Brazil has the potential to really like XVs, it is a team game like football. We like ball!”

Brazil now face France, who defeated Italy in their opening game, in Exeter next Saturday.

Les Bleues, ranked fourth in the world, are contenders to win the tournament and will be a big step up in competition.

South Africa: Dolf; Dolf, Mpupha, Ngwevu, Malinga; Van Rensburg, Roos; Charlie, Gwala, Latsha, Booi (capt), Lochner, Solontsi, Mcatshulwa, Hele.

Replacements: Gunter, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Makua, Jacobs, Tose, Cilliers.

Brazil: Silva; Barth, Fioravanti, Nicolau, Santini; Kochhann, Mayumi Bednarski; Barros, Leni Lima, Prioste, Coimbra, Souza, Henwood, Carvalho, Carvalo.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Holly Wood (England), Jess Ling (Australia)

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Wales vs. Canada

Salford Community Stadium Date: Saturday, August 30 Kick-off: 12:00 BST

Wales will have “nothing to lose,” according to Kelsey Jones, and they must support themselves when they take on Pool B favorites Canada in the Rugby World Cup.

Wales lost to Scotland in their opening game 38-8, which implies that they must likely face the world’s second-best team next if they want to advance to the quarter-finals.

With their 66-point victory over Fiji, Canada has already set a new record.

It’s just pure disappointment and frustration right now, according to Jones, a Welsh hooker.

“We’re absolutely devastated, but this is a fantastic opportunity to reflect.”

With Canada tipped to lead the pool, Scotland vs. Wales was supposed to be the decisive game between both teams.

Scotland produced an impressive six-try display of solidarity against a pitiful Wales despite their off-field issues involving player contracts.

According to Jones, “That was our cup final, that’s how we saw it.”

On Saturday, Wales travel to Salford Community Stadium to face Canada, and Jones sees this as a chance for them to come back.

She said, “We have things to look forward to, we’re playing in a World Cup, and what an occasion it is.”

We’re really looking forward to having the chance to play rugby at least twice more because “you never know what can happen, it depends on who shows up on the day.”

We are aware that they will be a significant challenge because of their physical nature.

We say “we’re going to be a hard team to beat,” but we didn’t, and now I think we have an opportunity to demonstrate that.

After their performance, some fans were critical of Wales, but Jones has urged them to continue supporting them.

We adore your support and our desire to inspire the next generation. We take great pride in making sure we see people after the game, she said.

Keegan Bradley will become the first playing captain for the USA since 1963, according to Donald Trump, president of the United States, and he pledges to attend the 2025 Ryder Cup the following month.

Trump, a devoted golfer and fan, will attend the first day of the 45th edition of the event, which will take place on September 26 through 28 at New York’s Bethpage Black Course.

Following their victory over the USA in Rome in 2023, Europe are the current Ryder Cup winners, making an effort to become the first team to win away from Medinah in 2012.

“It will be a fantastic Ryder Cup,” he declared. I’ll be there on Friday for the PGA Tour’s invitation, “I’ll be there.” Trump posted about his social media platform Truth Social.

Arnold Palmer, 34, was the last player to win the 15th edition of the 62-year-old men’s golf championship.

Bradley, 39, placed 10th in the USA’s Ryder Cup standings after winning the BMW Championship last Sunday in a tie for 17th place.

Trump continued, “Keegan Bradley should unquestionably be a captain for the American Ryder Cup team!” He is a fantastic man.

Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley, Harris English, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and JJ Spaun are already well-known, with JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Xander Schauffele automatically securing their spots.