1. Brazil a hit on first hit out

The Brazil players made history when they took the field against South Africa in Northampton on Sunday, as they became the first team - women or men - to represent their nation at a Rugby World Cup.

The emotions during the anthem, as well as after full-time following their defeat, showed just what their appearance at #RWC2025 means to them. 

And from the way the crowd enveloped the players after the game, it’s easy to see that they are going to be firm fan favourites for the next few weeks.

2. De Bruin follows Erasmus' lead

South Africa’s men’s team has become synonymous with their so-called Bomb Squad, their nickname for their replacements who come onto the field in groups to diffuse any late drama.

It’s a tactic that has been employed by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus throughout his seven-year tenure so far, and it looks as though it has rubbed off.

On Sunday, South Africa coach Swys de Bruin emptied his entire bench onto the field in one fell swoop, sending eight fresh pairs of legs onto the pitch to inflict more hardship on Brazil. Will we see that tactic continue when South Africa face Italy in York this Sunday? You can still get tickets to that game here.

3. Alba Capell faces her heroes

In late 2021, the Black Ferns headed on a tour where they played two Tests against France to help boost their preparations for the delayed Rugby World Cup 2021 which was taking place the following year. 

As a birthday treat, a girl from Spain bought tickets and travel to the game in Castres where she managed to get selfies with the Kiwi players afterwards.

And on Saturday, Alba Capell made her Rugby World Cup debut against that same Black Ferns team.

“To the Alba from 2021, who went to watch Fra v NZ for her 17th birthday,” Capell wrote on social media. “To the 21-year-old who made her World Cup debut against her heroes - you made it.”

4. Fiji's Senivutu realises her dream

There was also an emotional Rugby World Cup debut for Loraini Senivutu, who started at loosened prop for Fiji against Canada in York on Saturday.

Senivutu shared her journey to #RWC2025 recently, where she revealed that after watching Rugby World Cup 2021 at home with her parents, she turned to tell them that rugby was now her dream.

“I want to be like them. I want to travel the world, to explore,” she said after seeing the Fijiana in New Zealand.

She took time out of her education to make her dream a reality, and now she is a fully-fledged Rugby World Cup player. It’s no wonder she was emotional when relating the story, which you can watch below:

5. Youngster Stolz delivers stirring message to her team

Speaking of Fiji, another one of their impressive youngsters has made an impression on social media this week: Michella'e Stolz.

Following their opening-game loss which appeared to have dented some of the joy within the squad, the 19-year-old outside back stood up to speak at her team's usual Sunday service where they gather as part of their shared faith.

Having penned an open letter to her team, Stolz delivered an emotional and inspiring message to her team-mates, who she called warriors and fighters, and told them to lift their heads in anticipation of the "greatness" that lies before them.

"I need you to hear me: a scoreboard cannot measure the value of this team," she said. "Win or lose, your worth does not change. You're more than a result."

Here's the full video:

6. Fantasy league hots up

Fancy yourself as a knowledgeable rugby nut? Or new to the game and want to learn more? We've compiled the top individual performers from the opening weekend to reveal our All-Star team of the round to help you with your Rugby World Cup fantasy league picks this weekend!

From England front rowers and New Zealand flankers to an all-North American second row, you delve into the whole team by clicking here.

And remember, if you want to get involved in the Rugby World Cup fantasy league, you can do so here.