NORTH v SOUTH – Rugby World Cup Pool D

The Battle of the Hemispheres. A rich mixture of four nations who are all at very different stages of their journey, but as Ffion Owen discovers, they all have one common aim – to make history.

Two Northern Hemisphere powerhouses, France and Italy, against two Southern Hemisphere Trailblazers, South Africa and Brazil. France and Italy with their experienced sides are seasoned campaigners in both the Women’s World Cup and Guinness Six Nations. Meanwhile, South Africa and Brazil bring fresh competition, offering different attacking and physicality features.

France, who are ranked fourth in World Rugby, are determined to break their third-place streak under the fearless leadership of Manae Feleu. Close by are Italy, currently ranked sixth and previous quarter-finalists in 2021, who will be showing up with confidence after dominating in their warm-up matches.

Then, still in high development, come South Africa and Brazil. The Springbok Women (ranked 12th in the world) are looking to build and progress despite a winless World Cup back in 2021. And Brazil will be making history as soon as the first whistle blows, as they are the first ever South American team to qualify for the World Cup.

FRANCE: THE FLAIR OF FELEU

“The goal is to WIN the World Cup.” Les Bleues captain Manae Feleu sets France’s clear aim for the RWC 2025.

Currently ranked fourth in World Rugby, France have the competitiveness and flair needed to be one of the best teams in the world. Despite consistent performances, France have never finished higher than third place in the Rugby World Cup – a position they’ve held seven times out of the nine RWC appearances. Determined to break this trend, France need strong and fearless leadership.

Enter Manae Feleu.

Born in French Polynesia and later relocating to New Zealand – where she won the 1A Rugby Championship with Karamu College – Feleu has never been short on passion. She isn’t the only rugby talent in the family. Manae’s younger sister, Téani, has also made her mark on the international stage.

The two moved together to New Zealand to sharpen their rugby skills before relocating to France. Manae pursued a degree in medicine and joined Amazones de Grenoble, where she quickly made her mark with stealthy lineout steals and jackal turnovers.

Téani followed a similar path, joining the same club after being spotted in a Top 100 Competition. In the 2023/24 season, Manae racked up 17 lineout steals and scored one try, reinforcing her reputation as a dominant forward. Her journey for Les Bleues began in 2020 when she earned her first cap against the Red Roses. Her stellar performances secured her a spot in France’s 2021 World Cup squad, and less than two years later, she was named captain as Les Bleues competed in the inaugural WXV1 in Wellington.

Téani made her senior debut during the 2024 Women’s Six Nations under the captaincy of her sister. With her international sevens experience of competing in the World Series also, she quickly earned her first start at number eight with her older sister ahead of her, in the second row.

France have continued thrashing teams and making a statement in women’s rugby. They’ve got the skills, depth and passion to beat teams but seem to always fall short at the last hurdle – with the latest being their last test match against the Red Roses. France lost 42-43 against England’s Red Roses in this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations (2025).

With Le Crunch known as one of the high-pressure games, France will need to dig deep to overcome those minor margins and turn point difference losses into wins. To do this, they’ve identified key areas for improvement: attacking rucks, defensive exits and tactical kicking – particularly from the half-backs. These could be key to giving France the winning edge over teams like Red Roses or New Zealand’s Black Ferns.

Despite their loss against the Red Roses in the World Cup warm-up game, with experience of taking part in all nine Rugby World Cups, could this be the year Les Bleues go that one metre further… past third place?

ITALY

Since joining the Guinness Women’s Six Nations in 2007, Italy have made significant strides. They’ve rocketed up the world rankings, overtaking Wales and Scotland, while steadily growing in experience and cohesion. They continue to showcase their dynamic attack and strong defensive discipline.

With a 33-15 win over Japan in their final warmup game, Italy will be heading into the World Cup with a mission. With their resilient structure and determination, the Azzurre will be ready to play with confidence and intensity.

Player to Watch: Beatrice Rigoni: the Italian playmaker with a solid boot and creative vision. She’s instrumental to Italy’s attacking momentum and conversion kicking.

SOUTH AFRICA

Following a winless World Cup back in 2021, the Springbok Women are back in full momentum. Recently finishing a series against the Black Ferns, with a 41-24 win, they’ll be racing in full of power. Physicality, direct running and set-piece dominance is what you can expect from the Springboks, alongside their dominating maul. Their opening match is against World Cup debutants Brazil, so they’ll be determined to turn developments into results on the world stage.

Player to Watch: Babalwa Latsha: Leader, prop, trailblazer. The first African female player to turn professional, Latsha will be showing her experience when anchoring the scrum and collisions in attack.

BRAZIL

As the first South American team to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, Brazil are representing years of growth within the women’s game. The squad travelling overseas brings a blend of fresh energy with experience, as it includes Olympian Raquel Kochhann and Farah Palmer Cup visionary Larissa Lima Henwood.

With a pacy and spirited style of play, alongside great fitness and agility, Brazil will bring pride and excitement into their opening game against South Africa.

Player to Watch: Eshyllen Coimbra: Brazil’s captain, who made her World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series debut in May 2018. With her experience and heart, the back-rower will be backing her team all the way in their World Cup debut.

When to watch: All matches can be watched on BBCSPORT

France v Italy. 23rd August 2025. KO: 20:15 BST

South Africa v Brazil. 24th August 2025. KO: 14:45 BST

Italy v South Africa. 31st August 2025. KO: 15:30 BST

France v Brazil. 31st August 2025. KO: 16:45 BST

Italy v Brazil. 7th September 2025. KO: 14:00 BST

France v South Africa. 7th of September. KO: 16:45 BST