It’s a sad fact that alphabetical order once again reflects the standings of the four nations: E, I, S, W.
Wales alone have failed to qualify for the quarters.
With turmoil continuing in every corner of Welsh rugby, it’s hard to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Wales
Their last fixture is against Fiji. Even here we can’t be sure of a reassuring victory.
There is a distressing lack of top quality in the squad, that is reflected only too clearly in the men’s side.
The name usually picked out as the star is Jasmine Joyce-Butchers. But it’s a good while since she turned a game in Cymru’s favour.
Sean Lynn has introduced a new generation of players, but none can yet be seen as future star turns.
This is not the place for a dissection of all that is wrong; but a rapid (re-)establishment of proper pathways will help.
It’s a bitter irony that Fiji’s head coach is Ioan Cunningham, till recently in post with Wales.
Scotland
The Scots are reborn. They had two satisfying wins over Wales and Fiji, but the margin over Fiji, only 14 points, shows the size of the challenge they face next weekend against Canada at Sandy Park.
A highly improbable win would mean a semi against England, whom they last beat in 1999. Still, they have made it to the quarters – well done.
They, like the Wallaroos, face an uncertain future as the SRU sets about finding a replacement head coach.
Ireland
Ireland’s advance has been even stronger. They have built considerable player-depth, but the concern over the recovery of both Aoife Wafer and Sam Monaghan shows it has its limits. Both are outstanding players, but should so much depend on their hoped-for return?
For the sake of the players, their team-mates and the general public we must hope they can both play a significant part in the rest of the tournament.
Their next opponents are New Zealand; they have beaten them twice, but a third time?
The Kiwis failed to convince their own pundits in their last match, but have quality players in the back row and out behind.
The battle between the youngster Dannah O’Brien and the seasoned Ruahei Demant will be worth the entry-fee alone.
England
The Red Roses face their first big tussle, against Australia.
The Wallaroos’ first target is to ensure they advance to the quarters. They have all the advantages over the USA Eagles, but have never yet beaten England – rather the reverse of the pattern in cricket!
One fascinating point concerns John Mitchell’s selections. How close to his ideal XV will he send out in Brighton?
My idea of his top pick is:
1 Botterman 2 Atkin-Davies 3 Muir 4 Talling 5 Ward 6 Aldcroft 7 Kabeya 8 Matthews 9 L. Packer 10 Aitchison 11 Breach 12 Jones 13 Heard 14 Dow 15 Kildunne
That leaves a stable full of outstanding talent champing at the bit.
Injuries are likely to affect his choices. There are much bigger fish to fry over coming weeks.
Home Nations’ fixtures
Saturday 6 September
Canada v Scotland KO 12 noon; Sandy Park
Wales v Fiji KO 14.45, Sandy Park
England v Australia KO 17.00, Brighton
Sunday 7 September
New Zealand v Ireland KO 14.45, Brighton
All times BST
