England's Abby Dow leads charge towards record as Australia aims for surprise victory

England Aim to Extend Winning Streak in Rugby World Cup Clash Against Australia

The Red Roses are anything but dull—that’s the sentiment of center Tatyana Heard as England prepares for their final pool match in the Rugby World Cup. A win against Australia would not only secure their place at the top of the group but also match their own world record of 30 consecutive victories.

Their previous 30-game winning streak ended in the 2022 World Cup final, the last time they suffered a defeat. Some had questioned whether losing a match between tournaments might provide valuable experience, but the team’s mindset remains firmly focused on maintaining their momentum. Defense coach Sarah Hunter confirmed that the winning streak hasn’t been a topic of discussion within the squad.

Speaking before the match against Australia, Heard dismissed any suggestion of complacency. “Nothing we do ever becomes boring,” she said. “The competition in training and games keeps us at our best, no matter the score. Every player wants to perform when they take the field. We love what we do—it’s the best job in the world—and we’re just focused on pushing ourselves to the limit.”

Beyond the team’s success, Abby Dow is on the verge of a personal milestone, needing just one more try to reach 50 for England. “She’s one of the greatest finishers in the world,” Heard said. “When she gets the ball, you know she’ll either score or make a huge impact.”

Australia, meanwhile, has players who have shone in the tournament, including Desiree Miller and Caitlyn Halse. Miller, who started playing rugby during the pandemic, has scored five tries, including a hat-trick against Samoa, while 18-year-old Halse leads the competition in direct try involvements.

For Australia, the stakes are high. While England has already secured a quarter-final spot, the Wallaroos risk elimination if they suffer a heavy defeat without a bonus point, especially with the USA still in contention. By kickoff, they’ll know exactly what’s required, as the USA plays Samoa earlier that day. A win or losing bonus point would see them through, but a victory against England—a team they have never beaten in seven attempts—will be a monumental challenge.

Despite the odds, Australia may draw inspiration from the famous 2015 men’s World Cup upset, when Japan stunned South Africa in Brighton. They’ll be hoping for a similarly historic performance against the tournament favorites.