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England vs Samoa Kicks Off Today on BBC Two at Franklin’s Gardens

A rotated Red Roses lineup meets a depleted Samoa side after starkly different starts to the World Cup.

England’s Megan Jones evades a tackle from the United States' Kathryn Treder and Ilona Maher during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup match
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Overview

  • Kick-off is at 5pm BST in Northampton, with BBC Two on air from 4.35pm and a live stream on BBC iPlayer.
  • Head coach John Mitchell has overhauled his team, recalling Helena Rowland at fly-half and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald on the wing, with Marlie Packer captaining and only Meg Jones and Jess Breach retained from the USA win.
  • Samoa are without centre Melina Grace Salale after a three-match ban and are missing injured Joanna Fanene, as twins Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa start together in the second row and Linda Fiafia adds experience on the wing.
  • England began with an 11-try, 69-7 victory over the United States, while Samoa fell 73-0 to Australia in their opener.
  • Bookmakers make England overwhelming favourites at around 1/100, with handicaps near 87 points and some markets even pricing a specific 81–85 winning margin.