South Africa and France will get the Rugby World Cup underway on Saturday, 12 months after the tournament was originally scheduled to take place.
Organisers were forced to push the event in New Zealand back by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the delay, the opening day is set to produce the most watched women’s match at the Rugby World Cup.
More than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the session at Eden Park, which includes South Africa against France, England against Fiji and Australia’s clash against hosts New Zealand.
With just days to go until these thrilling encounters, GiveMeSport Women runs through everything you need to know about the Rugby World Cup.
When is the Rugby World Cup?
The Rugby World Cup will get underway on Saturday (October 8th), with the group stages concluding on October 23rd.
The quarter-finals will be on October 29th and 30th, with the semi-finals on November 5th. The final, and third place play-off, are scheduled for November 12th.
Where is the Rugby World Cup?
Three venues on New Zealand’s North Island will be used to host the Rugby World Cup.
The three opening fixtures will be held at Auckland’s 60,000-capacity Eden Park, which will also stage the semi-finals, third place play-off and final.
The remaining group matches and the quarter-finals will be hosted at the 30,000-capacity Semenoff Stadium in WhangÄrei and the 5,000-capacity Waitakere Stadium Stadium in Auckland.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 21: General view of Eden park Stadium before the round three Bunnings NPC match between Auckland and Bay of Plenty at Eden Park, on August 21, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Who is playing at the Rugby World Cup?
Twelve teams will compete in the Rugby World Cup, including six-time winners New Zealand, who will be hoping to retain their title in front of a home crowd.
England are considered the favourites heading into the tournament, however, with the Red Roses on a record-breaking 25 match winning streak. France and Canada also have an outside chance of lifting the trophy.
Group A
New Zealand
Australia
Wales
Scotland
Group B
Canada
United States
Italy
Japan
Group C
England
France
South Africa
Fiji
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Helena Rowland of England breaks during the Women's international match between England Red Roses and Wales at Ashton Gate on September 14, 2022 in Bristol, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
What is the Rugby World Cup fixture list for England, Wales and Scotland?
When are England's fixtures?
October 8th – vs Fiji, Auckland
October 15th – vs France, WhangÄrei
October 23rd – vs South Africa, Auckland
When are Wales's fixtures?
October 9th – vs Scotland, Whangarei
October 16th – vs New Zealand, Auckland
October 22nd – vs Australia, WhangÄrei
When are Scotland's fixtures?
October 9th – vs Wales, WhangÄrei
October 15th – vs Australia, WhangÄrei
October 22nd – vs New Zealand, WhangÄrei
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 10: Scottish players take part in a minutes applause for former British Lion Tom Smith during the Scotland and France Women's Six Nations match at Scotstoun Stadium on April 10, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
How to watch the Rugby World Cup
All matches involving the home nations – England, Scotland and Wales – will be broadcast live on ITV, while all other games will be shown on ITV4.
What are the Rugby World Cup odds?
England – 1/2
New Zealand – 2/1
France – 12/1
Canada – 20/1
USA – 50/1
These odds according to Paddy Power are correct as of October 4th.