England 47-7 Australia — Red Roses reach World Cup quarter-finals with seven-try win

England secured a comprehensive 47-7 victory over Australia in Brighton on Saturday to seal top spot in Pool A and a World Cup quarter-final meeting with Scotland at Bristol’s Ashton Gate on Sunday.

The Red Roses scored seven tries as they extended their perfect pool record after earlier wins over the United States and Samoa. Australia provided a sterner test than recent opponents, particularly before half-time, but England’s pack and back-line combined to pull away in the second half.

John Mitchell’s side had to contend with two injury scares during the match. Winger Ellie Kildunne and prop Hannah Botterman left the field for assessments but were on their feet at full time. England will monitor their fitness ahead of the knockout fixture in Bristol.

Captain Alex Matthews acknowledged the crowd at full time as the home support celebrated another dominant display. The match was played at the same Brighton venue that staged Japan’s famous 2015 men’s upset of South Africa, though there was little danger of a comparable shock on Saturday. Australia, the Wallaroos, nonetheless stood up to be counted in patches and tested England’s defence during the opening 40 minutes.

England’s forwards laid much of the platform for the win, driving possession and creating quick ball for the backs to exploit. The seven-try haul underlines the depth and balance in Mitchell’s squad as the tournament moves into its knockout phase.

With the pool stage concluded, England now turn their attention to Scotland, who advanced from Pool B and will meet the Red Roses at Ashton Gate. That quarter-final shapes as one of the ties of the first knockout round, with England aiming to progress to the semi-finals and maintain momentum toward a second Women’s Rugby World Cup title.

Tournament organisers and team staff will have limited time to manage player recovery and any lingering knocks. Mitchell faces selection decisions if either Kildunne or Botterman is ruled unavailable, but the remainder of the squad will prepare for a quick turnaround to Bristol.

The result preserves England’s unbeaten run in the pool stage and keeps them on course for a deep run in the tournament, while Australia must regroup and reassess after a heavy defeat that leaves questions over their path forward in the competition.