England was the only team in the competition to be made up of professional rugby players, whereas New Zealand had just six players contracted. New Zealand was placed in Pool A with Canada, Hong Kong and Wales. England was in Pool B alongside USA, Spain and Italy. On 10 August England played their first game of the tournament against Spain and ran in ten tries, including a
hat-trick to
Kay Wilson, to record a 56–5 victory. New Zealand played Wales the same day and led 20–0 at half time before extending the final margin to 44–12, with
Selica Winiata scoring a hat-trick of her own. England's second match saw them score the same number of tries and points as their first one as they downed Italy 56–13. Despite the two victories, concerns were raised over their kicking as in both matches they only
converted three of the ten tries. England's final pool game was against the USA and they played a dominant first half to lead 33–7, before the Americans fought back to a close the final score to 47–36. The result meant that both teams would advance to the semi-finals. New Zealand played Canada in their last pool game and with another hat-trick, this time from front rower
Aldora Itunu, New Zealand came away 48–5 victors. In the semi-finals New Zealand took on USA and England played Pool C winner France. The USA team put in a good first half effort to only trail by eight points going into the break. They visibly fatigued in the second half though and New Zealand pulled away to claim a 45–12 victory. New Zealand scored seven tries in total, with Woodman again starring with four of them.
Kelly Brazier was named
Player of the Match for her playmaking and ball handling skills. ==Match==