RWC 2025 Daily: Saturday, 13 September – key players Prepare for Quarter-Final Battles
Exeter, England – As the Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-finals approach, teams are finalizing preparations and key players are reflecting on their journeys to this stage. Today’s updates focus on tactical matchups,returning players,veteran motivation,and fantasy team selections.
England scrum-half Natasha Hunt faces a familiar opponent in Leia Brebner-Holden, with Brebner-Holden acknowledging the influence hunt had on her development. “She coached me a lot through my college and university years,” Brebner-Holden said. “She definitely helped with my passing, and I do owe her a bit of credit. However, the fact that some of my knowledge has come from her is maybe good for me too!” Head coach John Mitchell is overseeing Hunt’s scrum-half duties as England prepares for its next challenge.
Ireland has welcomed Aoife Wafer back into the squad, with the reigning Six Nations Player of the Tournament set to make her tournament debut against france in Exeter on sunday. Recovering from knee surgery, Wafer’s return is a boost for the team. ”We’ve all wanted to see her back on the pitch, she’s been desperate to get out there and give herself to the cause,” said head coach Scott Bemand. “She’s worked incredibly hard behind the scenes and there’s been huge support for her in getting back to this point.We’re fully confident she’s fit and ready.”
For South Africa, 40-year-old second-row nolusindiso booi views Rugby World Cup 2025 as her last, fueling her determination in the upcoming quarter-final against New Zealand. “I have to give everything for the team, because I don’t believe we are going there to just play the game,” Booi stated. “I believe we can do something.” Fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg emphasized the team’s commitment to extending Booi’s career, noting her unbelievable contribution to women’s rugby in South Africa.
fans are also preparing their Rugby World Cup fantasy teams ahead of the quarter-finals, wich begin Saturday with New Zealand versus South Africa at 13:00 in exeter. Former USA international Alycia Washington has shared her fantasy XV selections, offering insights based on her playing experience. Click here to read Washington’s picks.
