Overview

• England confirmed 13 changes to face Samoa, with Marlie Packer captaining as Zoe Aldcroft is ruled out for the rest of the pool stage with a knee injury.
• Canada made six starting changes to play Wales, where veteran lock Tyson Beukeboom will earn her 80th cap to tie Aaron Carpenter as the most‑capped Canadian player.
• The United States vs Australia on Saturday is widely viewed as the decider for the second quarterfinal spot from Pool A, and Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp stressed a win‑first approach.
• Samoa, largely amateur and coming off a 73-0 loss to Australia, conducted a ‘brutal review’ before meeting England, as the Red Roses caution against complacency.
• Wales will be without co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams against Canada, while tournament organizers report more than 400,000 tickets sold and soaring engagement.