England Scores Record 69-7 Win Over USA in Women’s Rugby World Cup Opener

England made a powerful statement in their 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup opener by defeating the United States 69-7 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 42,723. The top-ranked Red Roses scored 11 tries, with key performances from Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, and Abby Dow, extending their winning streak to 28 games and dominance over the U.S. to 21 matches. Despite the loss, the U.S. team, ranked 10th, approached the game with optimism, aiming to disrupt England's dominance and showcase their growth, with captain Kate Zackary emphasizing the importance of small victories and a full 80-minute effort. The atmosphere was vibrant, with fans dressing in cowboy hats and young voices cheering, underscoring the increasing popularity of women's rugby. England's clinical execution, especially exploiting the U.S.'s temporary numerical disadvantage due to a yellow card, highlighted their status as tournament favorites determined to end their recent streak of final losses. The U.S. looks to build on this experience and shake off their 'sleeping giants' tag in future competitions.