WXV 1, Round One - teams and predictions

PREVIEW: The WXV 1 kicks off on Sunday with a triple header in Canada.

In the first match, USA take on England, while the hosts Canada will face France with the home crowd's support. WXV 1 newcomers Ireland begin their campaign against world champions, New Zealand.

Defending champions and hosts of next year's World Cup England will hope to retain the title as they head into the tournament as the leading contender.

They face USA, who are eighth on the World Rugby Rankings.

The USA face a tough challenge when they attempt to inflict only a second defeat in 49 matches on the Red Roses.

Alex Matthews will captain her country for the first time against the USA.

The No.8, who is set for her 70th cap, leads a starting XV which contains two international debutants in Bristol Bears centre Phoebe Murray and Loughborough Lightning wing Bo Westcombe-Evans.

Flank Georgia Brock starts for the first time after debuting against the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium.

Attack coach Lou Meadows said: “We have been building on our game for the past eight weeks towards our WXV opener against USA. This group of girls is excited for their opportunity to attack the tournament right from the start. We understand our reality and just want to get playing.”

Canada return to action for the first time since winning the World Rugby Pacific Four Series title. They take on a France side searching or constistanty.

Canada won the corresponding fixture at WXV 1 2023, 29-20, their eighth victory in 17 meetings with Les Bleues and fifth in their last six.

Canada captain Tyson Beukeboom is relishing the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, commenting:

“I think it’s so exciting to be able to be at home and have our friends and family be able to come to support us and watch us.

“It’s the top six teams in the world playing here, and it’s going to be exciting rugby."

The final match of Round One will see WXV 3 2023 champions Ireland take on six-time World Cup winner New Zealand.

Ireland jumped up two levels and will fancy their chances against the Black Ferns, who head into the fixture after a defeat to the Red Roses.

The Black Ferns have only played Ireland twice previously, their sole Women’s RWC pool stage defeat coming against them in 2014. New Zealand avenged that loss in Dublin two years later.