England expect, NZ resist as fuse lit at World Cup

The exponential growth in the profile of women's sport means there is a heavy weight of expectation about what the ninth Rugby World Cup can deliver when it kicks off in front of a record crowd in New Zealand this weekend.

On the pitch, England expect to formalise the power shift from the southern to northern hemispheres with their third title, even if reigning champions New Zealand can be anticipated to offer stiff resistance in their own backyard.

They both kick off their tournaments in what could be a sell-out triple-header at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday - England against World Cup newcomers Fiji and New Zealand against neighbours Australia.

As well as attracting once unimaginable crowds World Rugby is hoping the Oct. 8-Nov. 12 tournament, which was delayed for a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will prove to be a catalyst for the 15-women game.

"This tournament will light the fuse for what will be a golden decade of opportunity, certainty and growth for women's test rugby," World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said at the tournament launch on Monday.

"The time is now. Our vision is a sport where ... visibility in the women's game matches the men's game, where targeted investment leads to transformational change and where we have strong and sustainable competition and growth plans."

There are challenges, however, not least the unfriendly match timings the first World Cup in the southern hemisphere presents for the huge potential television audiences above the equator.

There are also concerns that the tournament may expose the lack of depth in the women's game with England, and to a lesser extent New Zealand and France, a clear cut above the other nine sides.

All 12 teams will at least have the space to be