Overview

• New Zealand welcome back Kaipo Olsen-Baker to start at No. 8 and Amy du Plessis on the bench, with Allan Bunting saying he has selected the strongest available 23.
• South Africa reach their first quarter-final and opt for a 7–1 forwards-to-backs bench split, as coach Swys de Bruin calls it the “biggest game of your life.”
• The Exeter matchup features the six-time champions as heavy favourites against a Springbok side that beat Brazil and Italy before falling to France.
• In Bristol, world No. 2 Canada make three changes and embrace a “do or die” mindset under Kévin Rouet after topping their pool.
• Australia bench most-capped pair Ashley Marsters and Trilleen Pomare and recall Katalina Amosa and Ashley Fernandez, seeking a first-ever win over Canada.