Rugby World Cup 2021 is finally among us as teams converge on New Zealand.
After COVID delayed the tournament by a year, there are several nations in contention as the Black Ferns attempt to defend their crown on home soil.
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They face stiff competition from across the globe as the likes of New Zealand, France and the Wallaroos eye off the defending champions.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au looks at the main contenders for the World Cup title.
The Australians will head into the tournament free of expectations as they look to take it to the best in the world.
Jay Tregonning's side have built into the season after COVID curtailed their preparations, showing their potential as a world-class side against the Black Ferns.
The injection of Sharni Williams provides valuable leadership as they look to best their third-place finish in 2010.
- How they qualified
Top 7 in 2017
- Recent Form
The Wallaroos started 2021 strong with a convincing win over Fijiana before a shock defeat to Japan.
They were unable to hold on to a first half lead against the Black Ferns to start the Pac Four before tight losses to USA and Canada.
Two defeats in the O'Reilly Cup capped off their preparations, however, there were clear signs of improvement from the start of the season
- Player to watch
Emily Chancellor continues to get better and has emerged as a central piece to the Wallaroos forward pack.
Chancellor has emerged as a major breakdown threat alongside Shannon Parry, giving the Australians an added edge in defence.
The Waratah will be looking to make her mark before heading off to England with Harlequins
- World Cup history
1991: DNP
1994: DNP
1998: Fifth
2002: Fifth
2006: Seventh
2010: Third
2014: Seventh
2017: Sixth
- Squad
Forwards: Liz Patu (Queensland Reds), Emily Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Bree-Anna Cheatham (Queensland Reds), Madison Schuck (Queensland Reds), Bridie O'Gorman (NSW Waratahs), Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs), Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels), Adiana Talakai (NSW Waratahs), Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies), Michaela Leonard (ACT Brumbies), Sera Naiqama (NSW Waratahs), Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs), Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs), Shannon Parry (captain, Queensland Reds), Emily Chancellor (NSW Waratahs), Grace Hamilton (NSW Waratahs), Grace Kemp (ACT Brumbies), Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs).
Backs: Iliseva Batibasaga (NSW Waratahs), Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs), Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs), Trilleen Pomare (Western Force), Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies), Cecilia Smith (Queensland Reds), Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs), Sharni Williams (Aussie 7s), Mahalia Murphy (NSW Waratahs), Ivania Wong (Queensland Reds), Bienne Terita (Aussie 7s), Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (NSW Waratahs), Lori Cramer (NSW Waratahs).
Coach: Jay Tregonning
Canada will be looking to make their mark on a difficult Pool B as they look for a return to the World Cup Final.
The Canadians have proven themselves as a team to watch in 2022 under Kevin Rouet following wins over the Wallaroos and Italy.
They will be eager to impress in the expanded finals, narrowly missing out on the semi-finals in 2017
- How they qualified
Top 7 in 2017
- Recent Form
Canada are starting to build into serious threats as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup.
They started the year with a thumping 36-5 victory over USA, before falling to New Zealand 28-10.
This was followed by victory over the Wallaroos to finish the Pac Four before rounding out their preparations with three straight wins over Italy, Wales and Fiji.
- Player to watch
Sophie de Goede has stepped up as captain and remains one of the more damaging runners in World Rugby.
When de Goede is at her best, Canada are a damaging force, named player of the match in both of their wins in Pacific Four.
The number eight does it all, including a very reliable goal-kicker, and looms as a crucial player in Canada's World Cup aspirations.
- World Cup history
1991: Fifth
1994: Sixth
1998: Fourth
2002: Fourth
2006: Fourth
2010: Sixth
2014: Second place
2017: Fifth
- Squad
Forwards: Alex Ellis (Barrhaven Scottish / Saracens), Brittany Kassil (Guelph Redcoats), Courtney Holtkamp (Red Deer Titans), DaLeaka Menin (Exeter Chiefs), Emily Tuttosi (Exeter Chiefs), Emma Taylor (HRFC), Fabiola Forteza (Club de rugby de Québec), Gabrielle Senft (Castaway Wanderers / Exeter Chiefs / Regina Rogues Rugby Club), Gillian Boag (Capilano RFC), Karen Paquin (Club de rugby de Québec / Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais), Laura Russell (Cowichan RFC / Toronto Nomads), McKinley Hunt (Aurora Barbarians / Exeter Chiefs), Mikiela Nelson (UBC Rugby / Capilano Rugby), Ngalula Fuamba (TMRRFC), Olivia DeMerchant (Halifax Tars RFC), Sophie de Goede (Castaway Wanderers RFC), Tyson Beukeboom (Cowichan RFC).
Backs: Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC), Alysha Corrigan (Saracens), Anaїs Holly (Town of Mont-Royal RFC), Brianna Miller (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC), Elissa Alarie (Westshore RFC), Julia Schell (Guelph Redcoats / Castaway Wanderers), Justine Pelletier (Club de rugby de Québec), Maddy Grant (University of Ottawa), Marie Thibault (Club de rugby de Québec), Paige Farries (Worcester Warriors), Sabrina Poulin (TMRRFC), Sara Kaljuvee (Toronto Scottish), Sara Svoboda (Brantford Harlequins / Belleville Bulldogs / Loughborough Lightning), Sarah-Maude Lachance (Club de Rugby de Québec/Lons Section Paloise Rugby Feminin), Taylor Perry (Oakville Crusaders).
Coach: Kevin Rouet
England enter as the red-hot favourites after building a remarkable winning streak leading into the tournament.
Simon Middleton and the Red Roses have not lost since 2019, winning 25 straight to establish themselves as one of the best International sides in any sport.
They will be still hurting after their 2017 defeat to NZ in Belfast, with a third World Cup title capping off an incredible campaign.
- How they qualified
Top 7 in 2017
- Recent Form
England cruised through the Six Nations, going unbeaten as they conceded just four tries from their five games, finishing with an impressive points difference of +260.
France continues to give them the most trouble, however, the English still managed to look convincing as they came away with the 24-12 victory in Bayonne.
They rounded out their World Cup preparations with convincing wins over USA (52-15) and Wales (73-7).
- Player to watch
There are so many threats on this English side from Emily Scarratt to Poppy Cleall, Zoe Harrison and Holly Aitchison, but you can't go past the inspirational Zoe Aldcroft.
Aldcroft established herself as a player to watch on debut in 2016, scoring the winning try in a 17-13 win over France.
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year has been a central piece in their ongoing winning streak, slotting in across the second and back row.
For the English to continue their red-hot form, Aldcroft's influence in the forward pack is crucial.
- World Cup history
1991: Runners-up
1994: Champions
1998: Third place
2002: Runners-up
2006: Runners-up
2010: Runners-up
2014: Champions
2017: Runners-up
- Squad
Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Saracens), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins), Poppy Cleall (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Harlequins), Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins), Lark Davies (Bristol Bears), Rosie Galligan (Harlequins), Sarah Hunter (captain; Loughborough Lightning), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Laura Keates (University of Worcester Warriors), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning), Marlie Packer (Saracens), Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury), Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears).
Backs: Holly Aitchison (Saracens), Jess Breach (Saracens), Abby Dow (Wasps), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), Leanne Infante (Saracens), Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sarah McKenna (Saracens), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Emily Scarratt (vice-captain; Loughborough Lightning), Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors).
Coach: Simon Middleton
France continues to be one of the big improvers of World Rugby as they look for a maiden World Cup title.
The fourth-ranked French made a statement late last year with back-to-back victories over the defending World Champions Black Ferns.
They will fancy their chances of making their first final in World Cup, so often having to settle for third.
- How they qualified
Top 7 in 2017
- Recent Form
France have been the closest team to defeating the all-powerful English, falling to narrow 10-6 and 17-15 defeats in 2021.
Wins against South Africa and New Zealand (x2) propelled them into World Cup discussions as they finished the Six Nations in second.
They split their recent series with Italy, unable to back up a dominant 21-0 victory as they went down 26-19 in Biella after a late penalty try, missing the presence of injured skipper Gaëlle Hermet.
- Player to watch
Stop me if this sounds familiar: Toulouse scrumhalf rises through the ranks of French Rugby to power them to World Cup contenders.
Laure Sansus is in red-hot as she fills the Antoine Dupont role, establishing herself as the premier scrumhalf in the Northern Hemisphere after taking out Six Nations Player of the Tournament.
Sansus finished the tournament with the most tries and try assists in the competition, making the role her own after stepping in for the injured Pauline Bourdon last year.
- World Cup history
1991: Semi finals
1994: Third place
1998: Eighth place
2002: Third place
2006: Third place
2010: Fourth place
2014: Third place
2017: Third place
- Squad
Forwards: Julie Annery, Rose Bernadou, Yllana Brosseau, Annaëlle Deshaye, Célia Domain, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall, Manaé Feleu, Céline Ferer, Émeline Gros, Gaëlle Hermet, Clara Joyeux, Assia Khalfaoui, Marjorie Mayans, Romane Ménager, Safi N’Diaye, Agathe Sochat, Laure Touye.
Backs: Émilie Boulard, Pauline Bourdon, Alexandra Chambon, Caroline Drouin, Maëlle Filopon, Joanna Grisez, Chloé Jacquet, Mélissande Llorens, Marine Ménager, Laure Sansus, Jessy Trémoulière, Gabrielle Vernier.
Coach: Thomas Darracq
Italy are timing their run perfectly as they emerge as a dark horse to watch at the World Cup.
After a slow start to the Six Nations, they have turned the corner and after some impressive wins over Scotland and France.
The Azzure currently sit in fifth on the World Rankings, their highest-ever, full of confidence as they arrive in New Zealand
- How they qualified
European Qualification tournament winners
- Recent Form
The Italians are arguably one of the form sides outside of England/New Zealand heading into the World Cup.
They finished the Six Nations with two straight wins over Scotland and France before a narrow 34-24 defeat to Canada after being level at half-time.
Italy then recorded just its fifth win ever over the French with a 26-19 victory after losing the opening game
- Player to watch
Beatrice Rigoni is the mastermind behind the Italians' attack, looking to create more magic in New Zealand.
The playmaker has been a staple of Italy Rugby since making her debut as an 18-year-old in 2014, a key piece in a settled core of experienced players, with nine players with more than 50 test caps.
Rigoni's perfect mix of deft passing and barnstorming running establish the centre as a key threat to shut down for opposition teams
- World Cup history
1991: Seventh
1994: DNP
1998: 12th
2002: 12th
2006: DNP
2010: DNQ
2014: DNQ
2017: Ninth
- Squad
Forwards: Francesca Barro (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Lucia Gai (Velsugana Rugby Padova), Gaia Maris (Wasps), Michela Merlo (Rugby Colorno), Sara Seye (Transvecta Rugby Calvisano), Emanuela Stecca (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Silvia Turani (Exeter Chiefs), Melissa Bettoni (Stade Rennais), Vittoria Vecchini (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Giordana Duca (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Valeria Fedrighi (Stade Toulousain), Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Colorno), Sara Tounesi (Sale Sharks), Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais), Giada Franco (Rugby Colorno), Elisa Giordano (Captain, Valsugana Rugby Padova), Francesca Sgorbini (ASM Romagnat), Beatrice Veronese (Valsugana Rugby Padova).
Backs: Sara Barattin (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Sofia Stefan (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Veronica Madia (Rugby Colorno), Emma Stevanin (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Beatrice Capomaggi (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Alyssa D’Inca (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Michela Sillari (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Manuela Furlan (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Francesca Granzoto (Unione Rugby Capitolina), Maria Magatti (CUS Milano Rugby), Aura Muzzo (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Sofia Rolfi (Rugby Colorno).
The Black Ferns will be looking to maintain their stranglehold over the Rugby World Cup as they welcome the competition to New Zealand.
They have won five of their last six tournaments, including claiming the 2017 edition with a 41-32 victory over England.
However, the gap has closed to the rest of the pack after losses to England and France at the end of last year.
- How they qualified
Top 7 in 2017/Hosts
- Recent Form
The Black Ferns have entered a new era under legendary coach Wayne Smith, with his influence instantly felt over the team after finishing 2021 with four straight defeats, two to England and France.
They survived a scare against the Wallaroos to kick off the Pac Four before dominant wins over Canada (28-0) and USA (50-6) to cruise away with the title.
The Kiwis backed this up with a 52-5 over Australia in the O'Reilly Cup opener before a narrow 22-14 win in Adelaide.
With preparations ramping up, the Black Ferns sent a message to the rest of the competition as they started to arrive in New Zealand, thumping Japan 95-12.
- Player to watch
Portia Woodman remains one of the most exciting players in World Rugby and is central to the Black Ferns' hopes of a repeat.
Woodman holds several records across both formats of the game, including the leading try-scorer of all-time in Sevens with 207.
Make no mistake, Woodman is as damaging in the 15-a-side game, named World Rugby Women's Player of the Year in 2017 as she helped the Kiwis to the World Cup title, finishing with 13 tries from five games.
This was on full display during last week's warm-up match against Japan as the winger crossed for an incredible seven tries.
- World Cup history
1991: Third place
1994: DNP
1998: Champions
2002: Champions
2006: Champions
2010: Champions
2014: Fifth place
2017: Champions
- Squad
Forwards: Luka Connor (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Natalie Delamere (Bay of Plenty/Matatū), Georgia Ponsonby (Canterbury/Matatū), Tanya Kalounivale (Waikato/Chiefs), Phillipa Love (Canterbury/Matatū), Krystal Murray (Northland/Blues), Amy Rule (Canterbury/Matatū), Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Waikato/Chiefs), Santo Taumata (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Chelsea Bremner (Canterbury/Matatū), Joanah Ngan-Woo (Wellington/Hurricanes), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Auckland/Blues), Alana Bremner (Canterbury/Matatū), Sarah Hirini (Manawatū/Hurricanes), Charmaine McMenamin (Auckland/Blues), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Auckland/Blues), Kendra Reynolds (Bay of Plenty/Matatū), Kennedy Simon (Waikato/Chiefs).
Backs: Ariana Bayler (Waikato/Chiefs), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury/Matatū), Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (Counties Manukau/Chiefs), Ruahel Demant (Auckland/Blues), Hazel Tubic (Counties Manukau/Chiefs), Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt (Auckland), Amy du Plessis (Canterbury/Matatū), Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland/Blues), Stacey Fluhler (Waikato/Chiefs), Renee Holmes (Waikato/Matatū), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Wellington/Hurricanes), Ruby Tui (Counties Manukau/Chiefs), Renee Wickliffe (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Portia Woodman (Northland/Chiefs).
Coach: Wayne Smith
The USA are out to make a statement, looking to back up their efforts from 20 years ago in Wales.
The Americans have remained a continual force within the 15-a-side game, positioned as one of the teams to beat in Pool B.
They narrowly missed out on a place on the podium in Ireland, with nine returning from the 2017 campaign under the tutelage of Rob Cain
- How they qualified
Top 7 in 2017
- Recent Form
Consistency is key for the USA if they wish to match it with the best in the world.
They were thumped by Canada and the Black Ferns before surviving a second-half comeback from the Wallaroos to take a 16-14 win.
A narrow 21-17 win over Scotland built confidence before they were outplayed by England in September.
- Player to watch
Hope Rogers remains the anchor of the USA forward pack and essential to their chances of going far in the tournament.
The Exeter front-rower continues to get better and has become a real try-scoring weapon from close.
Rogers and captain Kate Zackary headline a squad loaded with talent from the English Premiership, needing to lead from the front if they wish to overcome the likes of Canada and Italy.
- World Cup history
1991: Champions
1994: Runners-up
1998: Runners-up
2002: Seventh
2006: Fifth
2010: Fifth
2014: Sixth
2017: Fourth
- Squad
Forwards: Catie Benson (Sale Sharks), Charli Jacoby (Exeter Chiefs), Elizabeth Cairns (Life West Gladiatrix), Erica Jarrell (Beantown), Evelyn Ashenbrucker (San Diego Surfers), Georgie Perris-Redding (Sale Sharks), Hallie Taufoou (Loughborough Lightning), Hope Rogers (Exeter Chiefs), Jenny Kronish (Harlequins), Jett Hayward (Life West Gladiatrix), Jordan Matyas (USA Sevens), Kate Zackary (Exeter Chiefs), Kathryn Johnson (Twin City Amazons), Kathryn Treder (Beantown), Kristine Sommer (Seattle Rugby Club), Maya Learned (Gloucester-Hartpury), Nick James (Sale Sharks), Rachel Johnson (Exeter Chiefs).
Backs: Alev Kelter (Saracens), Bridget Kahele (Beantown), Carly Waters (Sale Sharks), Lotte Clapp (Saracens), Eti Haungatau (Lindenwood University), Gabby Cantorna (Exeter Chiefs), Jennine Detiveaux (Exeter Chiefs), Katana Howard (Sale Sharks), McKenzie Hawkins (Life West Gladiatrix), Megan Foster (Exeter Chiefs), Meya Bizer (Beantown), Olivia Ortiz (Colorado Gray Wolves), Tess Feury (Wasps).
Coach: Rob Cain
