After a pandemic-enforced one year delay, the women’s Rugby World Cup is ready for kickoff in New Zealand on Saturday.
The home team Black Ferns are the defending champions but England are the hot favourites as they enter the tournament with a world record 25-game winning streak.
Australia’s Wallaroos will feature on the opening day against arch-rivals New Zealand in front of a predicted record-breaking Eden Park crowd of 40,000 or more.
Watch every match of the women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad-free, live and on demand
Stan Sport will broadcast every game of the tournament while Nine will show selected games on free-to-air.
Here are the Stan Sport rugby team’s predictions and hopes for the World Cup.
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Nick McArdle
What are you looking forward to most?
There have been good signs from the Wallaroos and I can’t wait to see their continued improvement against their arch-enemy New Zealand on day one.
Wallaroo to watch?
Emily Chancellor will finish the tournament with a growing reputation as one of the best players in the world.
International player to watch?
England captain and loose forward Sarah Hunter – one of the best players in the game.
RWC 2021 winner?
England.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
France.
Drew Mitchell
What are you looking forward to most?
Seeing the women showcase their skills on a global stage.
Wallaroo to watch?
Winger Ivania Wong.
International player to watch?
Jasmine Joyce – The Wales winger is one of the quickest players in the game across sevens and XVs.
RWC 2021 winner?
England.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
France.
Roz Kelly
What are you looking forward to most?
The ladies shining on the big stage and inspiring the next generation to pick up a footy.
Wallaroo to watch?
Centre Georgina Friedrichs.
International player to watch?
Emily Scarratt – A former World Rugby player of the year and the heartbeat of the England side.
RWC 2021 winner?
England. Come into the tournament on a 25-match winning streak and full of confidence.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
Fiji – They play exciting rugby and could spring a few surprises in their first RWC appearance.
Tim Horan
What are you looking forward to most?
The fans make all World Cups, so I’m looking forward to seeing the travelling fans and families of the players, the dress-ups and the atmosphere.
Wallaroo to watch?
Georgina Friedrichs.
International player to watch?
England fly half Zoe Harrison.
RWC 2021 winner?
England.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
France.
Dominique du Toit
What are you looking forward to most?
I’m excited to see how the sevens girls go throughout the tournament – both my teammates and players on the opposing teams – as they step up and adapt their skills to the XVs format.
Wallaroo to watch?
Emily Chancellor – A solid, hard working player who is great over the breakdown and look out for Bienne Terita, a fresh face who scored a double on debut and is dangerous with the ball.
International player to watch?
Jess Breach – winger for England with plenty of speed and footwork.
RWC 2021 winner?
England.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
Australia.
Sean Maloney and Morgan Turinui are joined by Nathan Grey to dissect the final round of the Rugby Championship and reminisce on some stories from their playing days
Morgan Turinui
What are you looking forward to most?
Watching our Wallaroos go up against the home unions.
Wallaroo to watch?
Sharni Williams – in career best form and at her fourth RWC.
International player to watch?
Laure Sansus. Best player in the French team. An outstanding scrumhalf.
RWC 2021 winner?
England.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
France.
Maloney checks in with sevens world champs
Sean Maloney
What are you looking forward to most?
Seeing the game go to the next level in front of record crowds.
Wallaroo to watch?
Fly half Arabella McKenzie
International player to watch?
England centre Emily Scarratt.
RWC 2021 winner?
England.
RWC 2021 dark horse?
Australia.
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