Overview

• England made 13 changes for Samoa with Marlie Packer captaining, Helena Rowland returning at fly half, and Zoe Aldcroft ruled out for the rest of the pool stage.
• Canada announced six starting changes to face Wales, with Tyson Beukeboom set for her 80th cap to tie the national appearances record and Asia Hogan-Rochester earning a first World Cup start.
• The United States meet Australia in York in a matchup widely viewed as determining who joins England in the Pool A quarterfinal slots after contrasting opening results.
• Wales will face Canada without co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams, while back-rower Bethan Lewis leads for the first time as Canada eye early qualification with a win.
• Tournament interest continues to surge with ticket sales surpassing 400,000 and a women’s test record crowd of 42,723 recorded for England’s opener against the U.S.