ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Ireland ready to open Women's World Cup 2017 in Dublin

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Tuesday Aug 8, 2017

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Dublin tomorrow afternoon with reigning champions England taking on Spain at the UCD Bowl in the first game of the 2017 tournament.

This year’s edition of the World Cup looks set to be an intriguing one, with several teams enjoying a rich vein of form lately.

England remain the clear favourites having come off the back of another 6 Nations Grand Slam, but who else will be in with a shout for the title come the final in Belfast at the end of August?

World Rugby have put together a comprehensive video to give you the low-down on the pools, tournament format and who to look out for.

The format for the Women’s World Cup follows that of the Under 20s tournament in the Men’s game. Three pools of four teams, with the winner of each progressing to the semi-finals. The final semi-final spot will be taken by the best runner-up side.

POOL A: Canada, New Zealand, Wales, Hong Kong

POOL B: England, Italy, Spain, USA

POOL C: Australia, France, Ireland, Japan

While on paper England look to have the easiest pool of the three, the improved performance of the Italians of late could provide a slight obstacle in the path to the semis of sides in Pools A and B.

Four-time winners of the competition New Zealand – who begin their campaign against Wales – will rate anything other than direct progress to the semis as a disappointment. The Black Ferns didn’t even make the last four in 2014, but an up-turn in form suggests a repeat of four years ago unlikely.

Beginning against the hosts later in the evening, Australia are expected to make the semis along with the Kiwis and England, making the battle for the best runner-up spot an enthralling prospect.

Beaten finalists in 2014, Canada will look to secure the best runner-up spot but face a severe threat from the likes of France and Ireland, both of whom have impressed in the 6 Nations.

First round fixtures

England v Spain (UCD Bowl, Dublin – K/O 14:00)

New Zealand v Wales (Billings Park, Dublin – K/O 14:45)

USA v Italy (UCD Bowl, Dublin – K/O 16:00)

Canada v Hong Kong (Billings Park, Dublin – K/O 17:15)

Ireland v Australia (UCD Bowl, Dublin – K/O 19:00)

France v Japan (Billings Park, Dublin – K/O 19:45)

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 78 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 259 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 263 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 12 HOURS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

View All