World Cup Day 3 preview

Canada v New ZealandBillings Park, noon

The opening match of the day could hardly be more appealing. The second and third seeds in the world and the 2014 World Cup finalists versus the team determined to address the failings of three years ago.

On paper, there is much more pressure on Canada, whose failure to grab a bonus point against Wales means that if they are losing in the later stages in the game, will know they will likely need to stay within seven points of the Ferns to stay on course for the best runner up spot.

The disadvantage of playing first means neither team knows exactly what the maths will be, so they will both simply be gunning to win and trying to take their fate in their own hands.

New Zealand certainly start as favourites after two impressive performances and Canada need no reminding that they have not beaten the Black Ferns in 13 attempts. The Canadians have had two contrasting games, showing their attacking threat against Hong Kong, and having to dig in defensively against Wales. Their toil against Wales was in sharp contrast to New Zealand's sweeping win, and while the Black Ferns have not been perfect, their backs have been sublime with Kelly Brazier and Portia Woodman as good as you'd expect but with Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali  offering a uniquely physical threat at 10. Her presence adds something different to this New Zealand team and expect her to run regularly straight at Emily Belchos.

There will be a special moment for captain Fiao'o Faamausili who will become the most-capped Black Fern ever on her 50th cap. There are eight New Zealand changes in all. Eloise Blackwell, props Toka Natua and Aldora Itunu, and number 8 Aroha Savage, all return up front, while the Selica Winiata, Stacey Waaka, Kelly Brazier and Renee Wickliffe come back into the backs.

Francois Ratier has made just two changes. Centre Amanda Thornborough comes in for Andrea Burk, while Elissa Alarie moves back to full-back and Julianne Zussman is on the left wing.

CANADA:Elissa Alarie (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC/Westshore RFC); Magali Harvey (Club de Rugby de Quebec), Alex Tessier (Montreal Barbarians), Amanda Thornborough (Westshore RFC), Julianne Zussman (Castaway Wanderers); Emily Belchos (Westshore RFC), Lori Josephson (Aurora Barbarians); Carolyn McEwen (Burnaby Lake RFC), Laura Russell (Toronto Nomads/Cowichan RFC), DaLeaka Menin (Calgary Hornets), Kayla Mack (Saskatoon Wild Oats), Latoya Blackwood (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC/Westshore RFC), Jacey Grusnick (Barrhaven Scottish), Karen Paquin (Club de Rugby de Quebec/Castaway Wanderers), Kelly Russell (Toronto Nomads/Cowichan RFC) (capt).

Replacements:Jane Kirby (Highland Fergus Rugby Club), Brittany Kassil (Guelph Redcoats), Olivia DeMerchant (Woodstock Wildmen/Castaway Wanderers), Tyson Beukeboom (Aurora Barbarians/Cowichan RFC), Barbara Mervin (Westshore RFC), Chelsea Guthrie (Stratchona Druids), Andrea Burk (Capilano RFC), Brittany Waters (Meraloma Athletic Club/Castaway Wanderers).

NEW ZEALAND:Selica Winiata (Manawatu); Portia Woodman (Counties Manukau), Stacey Waaka (Waikato), Kelly Brazier (Otago), Renee Wickliffe (Counties Manukau); Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (Counties Manukau), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury); Toka Natua (Waikato), Fiao'o Fa'amausili (Auckland) (capt), Aldora Itunu (Auckland), Eloise Blackwell (Auckland), Charmaine Smith (North Harbour), Charmaine McMenamin (Auckland), Sarah Goss (Manawatu), Aroha Savage (Counties Manukau).

Replacements:Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties Manukau), Sosoli Talawadua (Waikato), Aotearoa Mata'u (Counties Manukau), Rebecca Wood (North Harbour), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Kristina Sue (Manawatu), Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Waikato).

England v USABillings Park, 2.45pm

The World Cup favourites versus the team who have been dubbed the dark horses - this match has the potential to be hugely exciting for neutrals and edge of the seat for fans of both sides.

England should have far too much experience for the exciting USA side, whose ambition might undo them against a team who know exactly how to bide their time and capitalise on errors.

Interestingly, despite strengthening his team, Simon Middleton still hasn't arguably picked his best side with Harriet Millar-Mills and Rachael Burford for example on the bench.  The changes see Sarah Hunter returns at number 8 with Alex Matthews switching to blindside flanker. Props Vickii Cornborough and Sarah Bern start in the front row and Abbie Scott comes in at lock to partner Tamara Taylor.

In the backs, Katy Mclean returns at out-half with Amber Reed moving to inside centre, while Kay Wilson, who scored four tries in the opening game against Spain, named on the left wing.

The USA have been one of the form teams of the tournament and have been hugely impressive in their opening two games. Backs Cheta Emba, Alev Kelter and Naya Tapper have caught the eye for their finishing and pace and Pete Steinberg has made some changes to his ambitious team.

Hooker Katy Augustyn returns to the starting lineup alongside Catie Benson and Tiffany Faaee, who will once again captain the Eagles. Lock Alycia Washington also returns. With ten points already, the USA are on course for a semi-final spot (though there are significant maths at play) but playing so early in the day means both sides will simply have to 'go for it'.

USA coach Pete Steinberg has not been afraid to voice his frustration with various aspects of the tournament. "The schedule is really tough and something that World Rugby needs to look at. We are relatively healthy and we have managed the players' volumes pretty well. However, we came in knowing that our team had not played enough together, so we have had only a few changes in each game. This means that we are still improving as we learn to work together.”

ENGLAND: Danielle Waterman (Bristol); Amy Wilson Hardy (Bristol), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Amber Reed (Bristol), Kay Wilson (Richmond); Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield); Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins), Amy Cokayne (Lichfield), Sarah Bern (Bristol), Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Alex Matthews (Richmond), Marlie Packer (Bristol), Sarah Hunter (Bristol) (capt).

Replacements: Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens), Rochelle Clark (Worcester Valkyries), Justine Lucas (Lichfield), Poppy Cleall (Bristol), Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield), Leanne Riley (Harlequins), Rachael Burford (Harlequins), Megan Jones (Bristol).

USA:Cheta Emba (Women's Eagles Sevens); Naya Tapper (Women's Eagles Sevens), Nicole Heavirland (Women's Eagles Sevens), Alev Kelter (Women's Eagles Sevens), Kristen Thomas (Women's Eagles Sevens); Kimber Rozier (Harlequins), Deven Owsiany (San Diego Surfers); Catie Benson (Life West), Katy Augustyn (Berkeley All Blues), Tiffany Faaee (New York Rugby Club) (capt), Stacey Bridges (Twin Cities Amazons), Alycia Washington (New York Rugby Club), Sara Parsons (Northern Virginia Rugby), Kate Zackary (San Diego Surfers), Jordan Gray (Life West).

Replacements: Samantha Pankey (San Diego Surfers), Hope Rogers (San Diego Surfers), Nicole James (Houston Athletic Rugby Club), Abby Gustaitis (Northern Virginia Rugby Club), Kristine Sommer (Seattle Saracens), Kayla Canett-Oca (Pennsylvania State University), Sylvia Braaten (Twin Cities Amazons), Jess Wooden (Harlequins).

Italy v Spain, Pool BUCD Bowl, 2.45pm

There is probably no need to go over quite why this is a such an important fixture for the two teams taking part, especially maybe Spain. Suffice to say, there is a bit of history here and some points to be made.

Spain have much the better of a fixture that goes back to 1991, but - on paper - Italy have had slightly the better of the first two games in this tournament. As a form guide, though, this probably does not reveal too much. Both have suffered very similar defeats to England and, while Italy had a better result against the USA, the Americans could have comfortably doubled their score had they calmed down a little and played in the more focused manner they did against Spain a few days later.

For all their lack of success on the scoreboard, both teams have been working hard. Spain have made 434 tackles in the first two games – more than any other team – with Italy in second place on 341 – another indication of how even the two teams are, and also, perhaps, the lack of possession they have both had. Incidentally the World Cup’s top two individual tacklers are both Spanish - Maria Ribera and Diana Gasso, with over 100 tackles between them.

However, even if Spain do win the size of their earlier defeats mean that they would be likely to be the "unlucky" third placed team and miss out on the 5th/8th play-offs, just as they did in 2014.

Spain make just two change to the team that played the USA, Barbara Pla returning from injury so Uri Barrutleta returns to the bench, and Bárbara García making her first tes matchg start, replacing Amaia Erbana.

Italy make four changes, including Zangirolami who confirmed that she will reture at the end of the tournament, Stefan and Sillari in the backs, with Rigoni moving to flyhalf, and Gaudino coming back in at No 8. This is a more experienced team than that which played England at the weekend.

Spain:1. Isabel Rico; 2. Aroa González; 3. Jeanina Vinuezá; 4. Maria Ribera; 5. Rocio Garcia; 6. Diana Gasso; 7. Paula Medin; 8. Angela Del Pan; 9. Anne Fernández de Corres; 10. Patricia García; 11 Iere Echebarra; 12 Marina Bravo; 13 Vanessa Rial; 14. Bárbara García; 15. Barbara Pla.Replacements:16.Saioa Jaurena 17. Isabel Macias Elena Redondo 18. Laura Delgado, 19. 23. Maria Casado, 20 Berta García  21. Carlotta Meliz, 22. Amaia Erbana, 23. Uri Barrutleta

Italy:15 Manuela FURLAN (Svincolata, 57 caps); 14 Sofia STEFAN (Stade Rennais, 29 caps); 13 Maria Grazia CIOFFI (Rugby Colorno, 48 caps ); 12 Paola ZANGIROLAMI (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 73 caps); 11 Michela SILLARI (Harlequins, 36 caps); 10 Beatrice RIGONI (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 18 caps); 9 Sara BARATTIN (Villorba Rugby, 73 caps) – capitano; 8 Silvia GAUDINO (Rugby Monza 1949, 69 caps); 7 Elisa GIORDANO (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 23 caps); 6 Isabella LOCATELLI (Rugby Monza 1949, 13 caps); 5 Alice TREVISAN (Rugby Riviera 1975, 41 caps); 4 Valeria FEDRIGHI (Verona Rugby, 4 caps); 3 Lucia GAI (Stade Rennais, 49 caps); 2 Melissa BETTONI (Stade Rennais, 37 caps); 1 Marta FERRARI (Stade Rennais, 20 caps);Replacements:16 Elisa CUCCHIELLA (Rugby Belve Neroverdi, 64 caps); 17 Michela ESTE (Benetton Treviso, 53 caps); 18 Sara TOUNESI (Rugby Colorno, 2 cap); 19 Valentina RUZZA (Valsugana Rugby Padova 15 caps); 20 Ilaria ARRIGHETTI (Stade Rennais, 27 caps); 21 Veronica SCHIAVON (Yokohama TKM, 80 caps); 22 Elisa BONALDO (Rugby Colorno, 2 caps); 23 Veronica MADIA (Rugby Colorno, 5 caps)

Australia v Japan, Pool ABillings Park, 5pm

Here are two teams who have had similar experiences but a very different trajectory so far in this tournament.  Japan went from being taken to pieces by France to a huge confidence booster against Ireland, while Australia started well but suffered a big defeat to France in a game they had thought they could win.

We mentioned tackle count with Italy and Spain, and it is no surprise to see that Japan and Australia have also both been working hard in this area with over 320 tackles each, Chloe Butler, Shannon Parry and Seina Saito all making over 30 tackles each. Again, it is an indication of how much both teams have been defending.

Australia should be the better team here, but they came to Ireland talking about a place in the semi-finals. Their two defeats must have had a great impact on them than on Japan who realistically would not have expected to be anywhere other than where they now are.

Australia make four changes for the game. Captain and openside flanker Shannon Parry has been ruled out of the match through injury, in her place lock Alisha Hewett will earn her first start of the tournament, with Chloe Butler moving to the flank.

Fellow Olympic Gold Medalist Sharni Williams will take over the captaincy duties. In the backline, after earning her first World Cup start in the centres against France, Sarah Riordan will earn her first opportunity at flyhalf, with Kayla Sauavo returning to the starting side at inside centre. On the bench, Violeta Tupuola returns as prop cover, while 27-year old Kate Brown is in line for her Wallaroos debut. Experienced fullback/flyhalf Ashleigh Hewson also remains unavailable for selection through injury.

Head coach Paul Verrell said: “Last Sunday’s loss to France was a tough one for our team, but the group still have a lot to play for and we’ve named a side that we believe can get the job done against Japan. They were impressive against the Irish in their last match and we must be mentally and physically ready for them as we head into our final pool game.“We’ve unfortunately had to make a number of changes to the squad through injury and it’s disappointing to lose some of our more experienced players. Shannon has led this side admirably on-and-off the field and it’s a shame to have such an influential member of our squad unavailable. After being ruled out between the Irish and French matches, Ashleigh Hewson is also yet to fully recover from injury, but our strength and conditioning and medical staff are continuing to work closely with her with the hope she’ll be available for our matches in Belfast.”

With only two changes in the Japanese team, this is very much the team that did so well against Ireland.Australia:1. Liz Patu – Queensland, Wests; 2. Cheyenne Campbell – Queensland, Redlands; 3. Hilisha Samoa – Queensland, Brothers; 4. Alisha Hewett – Australian Defence Force (ADRFU), Queensland, GPS; 5. Millie Boyle – ACT, Canberra Royals; 6. Mollie Gray – Australian Defence Force (ADRFU), NSW, Maitland; 7. Chloe Butler – South Australia, Parramatta; 8. Grace Hamilton – Sydney, Sydney University; 9. Katrina Barker – NSW Country, Newcastle University; 10. Sarah Riordan – Australian Defence Force (ADRFU), Victoria, Melbourne; 11. Mahalia Murphy – Australian Sevens, NSW, Campbell Town; 12. Kayla Sauvao – Sydney, Parramatta; 13. Sharni Williams – Australian Sevens, ACT, Canberra Royals; 14. Nareta Marsters – Queensland, Sunnybank; 15. Samantha Treherne – Queensland, SunnybankReserves: 16. Emily Robinson – Sydney, Warringah; 17. Violeta Tupuola – ACT, Royals; 18. Hana Ngaha – Queensland, Sunnybank; 19. Rebecca Clough – Western Australia, Cottesloe; 20. Kate Brown* – ACT, Tuggeranong Vikings; 21. Fenella Hake – Queensland, Redlands; 22. Ashleigh Timoko – Western Australia, Wanneroo; 23. Trilleen Pomare – Western Australia, Wanneroo

Japan:15. Mayu Shimizu; 14. Akari Kato; 13. Iroha Nagata; 12. Riho Kurogi; 11. Eriko Hirano; 10. Minori Yamamoto; 9. Moe Tsukui; 1. Makoto Ebuchi; 2. Seina Saito (c); 3. Saki Minami; 4. Aya Nakajima; 5. Ayano Sakurai; 6. Yuki Sue; 7. Sayaka Suzuki; 8. Maki TakanoReplacements:16. Misaki Suzuki; 17. Mizuho Kataoka; 18. Maiko Fujimoto; 19. Ai Hyugaji; 20. Yui Shiozaki; 21. Yumeno Noda; 22. Ayaka Suzuki; 23. Ai Tasaka;

Wales v Hong Kong, Pool CUCD Bowl, 5.15pm

Drawn with the second and third ranked teams in the world, realistically both teams would have expected to arrive at this point in the tournament still seeking a win. However, while they have lost their encounters with New Zealand and Canada, they have had significantly different experiences.

The young Welsh team left the field with New Zealand with their heads held high, and then thoroughly frustrated Canada in a game that, at times, they looked like they could steal. Hong Kong, on the other hand, have suffered two very heavy defeats.

As a result it is hard to see anything other than a comfortable Welsh win which should be more than enough to see them into the 5th/8thplace play-off round.

Seventeen-year-old forward Lleucu George will make her first start for Wales after winning her first cap as a replacement against New Zealand as part of nine changes to Wales' starting line-up.

Fullback Jodie Evans and inside centre Robyn Wilkins make their first starts of the tournament, while Jasmine Joyce and Keira Bevan return on the wing and at scrum-half respectively. Two changes to the front row see loosehead Cerys Hale and tighthead Meg York pack down either side of captain Carys Phillips. Lock Siwan Lillicrap also makes her first start of the Women's Rugby World Cup; likewise Shona Powell-Hughes, who joins George in the back row at number eight. Loosehead Gwenllian Pyrs could make her Wales debut from the bench.

"We've surpassed many people's expectations in terms of our performances against two of the world's best teams, but we're always looking to improve standards," said head coach Rowland Phillips. "We're not content with just putting up a fight. We're working towards winning big games.

"Our commitment and improvement was there for everyone to see against Canada. We pushed a very good team all the way, and we've got to take inspiration from that. The main thing now is to keep up that momentum in this competition, starting with Hong Kong. They will be out to prove a point against us, and we won't be taking them lightly."

Hong Kong Coach Jo Hull has rotated half of the starting team from the weekend out, but retains all of the players who caught the eye against New Zealand including wing Chong Ka Yan and centre Natasha Olson-Thorne.

Hong Komg:15. Adrienne Garvey; 14. Lau Sze Wa; 13. Natasha Olson-Thorne; 12. Kelsie Bouttle; 11. Chong Ka Yan; 10. Rose Hopewell-Fong; 9. Mak Ho Yee; 1. Lau Nga Wun; 2. Royce Chan; 3. Lee Ka Shun; 4. Chow Mei Nam (c); 5. Chan Ka Yan; 6. Christy Cheng; 7. Chan Tsz Ching; 8. Christine GordonReplacements:16. Pun Wai Yan; 17. Wong Yuen Shan; 18. Karen So; 19. Amelie Seure; 20. Tsang Sin Yan; 21. Jessica Ho; 22. Lee Tsz Ting; 23. Kwong Sau Yan;

Wales;15 Jodie Evans (Scarlets);  14 Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets);  13 Gemma Rowland (Dragons);  12 Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys);  11 Jess Kavanagh-Williams (RGC);  10 Elinor Snowsill (Dragons);  9 Keira Bevan (Ospreys);  1 Cerys Hale (Dragons);  2 Carys Phillips (c) (Ospreys);  3 Meg York (Dragons);  4 Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys);  5 Mel Clay (Ospreys);  6 Lleucu George (Scarlets);  7 Sioned Harries (Scarlets);  8 Shona Powell-Hughes (Ospreys)Replacements;  16 Kelsey Jones (Ospreys);  17 Gwenllian Pyrs (RGC);  18 Caryl Thomas (Scarlets);  19 Rebecca Rowe (Blues);  20 Rachel Taylor (RGC);  21 Sian Moore (Dragons);  22 Elen Evans (RGC);  23 Dyddgu Hywel (Scarlets)

Ireland v FranceUCD Bowl, 7.45pm

The day builds up to a huge finale with the hosts Ireland fighting for their World Cup lives against a resurgent French outfit, who have hugely impressive so far.

Ireland have been lacklustre so far and the French demolition of Australia should be a worrying flag for Irish fans that their team have been very much off the pace.

Home advantage at World Cups can sometimes be a curse - just ask the England men’s World Cup team from 2015 - and the pressure seems to have gotten to Ireland, whose basic skills and set piece in particular has let them down.

However there are some boosts this weekend for the Irish. The return of Jenny Murphy to the midfield is timely and the performance off the bench of Paula Fitzpatrick and Leah Lyons last weekend, means Ireland have a couple of relatively fresh players coming into their pack. Coach Tom Tierney has made much of the point that his pack needs to be more physical and these changes will add to Ireland's strength in the pack

Ireland's great advantage today is that unlike Australia and Japan, they know how to beat the French - they did it on home soil earlier this year, and if they can match the France power up front and cut their error count, this will be a tight game.

Lose and they are out. That is a potent motivator for the hosts and you would expect a hugely passionate performance from a side desperate not to underachieve at their own competition.

But they are up against it. France have been excellent so far, with threats coming from all over the park. Shannon Izar out wide has been outstanding, while up front Audrey Forlani, Romane Menager and Safi N’Diaye have caused huge problems for defences.

If France have a weakness it is their well known ability to follow up an outstanding performance with an unfathomable poor one. It may sound sterotypical, but France so often follow brilliance with laissez-faire that regardless of their performances so far, Ireland will know a win is well within reach if they get it right.

In changes, Captain Gaëlle Mignot and fellow forward Annaëlle Deshayes are back in the starting team for this clash. In the backs Caroline Ladagnous also returns.

Ireland coach Tom Tierney said:

"It's a cup final tomorrow night, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, so we want the players to go out there and give it everything. It won't be easy, but with the crowd behind them, they have the ability to claim a place in the final four."

FRANCE:Montserrat Amédée (Montpellier RC/FFR); Chloé Pelle (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois/FFR), Caroline Ladagnous (AC Bobigny 93/FFR), Elodie Poublan (Montpellier RC), Shannon Izar (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois/FFR); Caroline Drouin (Stade Rennais), Yanna Rivoalen (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois); Annaëlle Deshayes (Ovalie Caennaise), Gaëlle Mignot (Montpellier RC) (capt), Julie Duval (Ovalie Caennaise), Lénaig Corson (Stade Rennais/FFR), Audrey Forlani (Blagnac Saint-Orens Rugby Féminin), Marjorie Mayans (Blagnac Saint-Orens Rugby Féminin/FFR), Romane Ménager (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois), Safi N'Diaye (Montpellier RC).

Replacements: Caroline Thomas (ASM Romagnat), Lise Arricastre (Lons Rugby Féminin Béarn Pyrénées), Patricia Carricaburu (Lons Rugby Féminin Béarn Pyrénées), Céline Ferer (AS Bayonne), Julie Annery (AC Bobigny 93), Jade Le Pesq (Stade Rennais/FFR), Carla Neisen (Blagnac Saint-Orens Rugby Féminin), Camille Grassineau (Stade Français/FFR).

IRELAND:Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Eimear Considine (UL Bohemians/Munster), Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Sene Naoupu (Harlequins), Alison Miller (Old Belvedere/Connacht); Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemians/Munster); Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster), Leah Lyons (Highfield/Munster), Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians/Munster), Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht) (capt), Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary's/Leinster).

Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/Leinster), Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht), Ciara O'Connor (Galwegians/Connacht), Ashleigh Baxter (Cooke/Ulster), Heather O'Brien (Highfield/Munster), Larissa Muldoon (Railway Union/Ulster), Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/Leinster), Louise Galvin (UL Bohemians/Munster).