Overview

• The pool stage delivered frequent mismatches, with an average winning margin of 33.9 points across 24 games.
• England and New Zealand’s professional setups continue to set the pace, highlighted by England’s 92–3 win over Samoa and New Zealand’s 40–0 defeat of Ireland.
• Lower-ranked teams often field semi-professional or amateur players with outside jobs, which experts warn undermines competitive integrity and increases welfare risks.
• France has introduced time-limited 75% contracts for internationals and restructured its Elite 1 league, while Spain issued six‑month deals for World Cup preparation that its federation aims to extend.
• France faces Ireland in Exeter on Sunday, with local outlets noting France’s tournament-best defense and suggesting the winner could meet host England if results follow form.