Rugby World Cup Daily - Monday, 25 August

1. Sun shines on South African star

Despite a record-breaking summer in England, Aseza Hele joked at Friday's team announcement that the clouds had come since her team's arrival in the country. The South Africa number eight, whose nickname 'Blommie' means 'flower' in Afrikaans, said: "When you don't get sun you get sad, and when you're sad you don't perform. Vitamin D is very important!"

Hele definitely shone in the 66-6 victory against Brazil in Northampton, scoring a hat-trick of tries at a sun-soaked Franklin's Gardens. So did the weather help? "Definitely!"

2. Ireland find their range

South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin ensured his team didn't get ahead of themselves against Brazil, despite being heavy favourites. "Scottie Scheffler [world No.1 golfer] said, it’s just the next shot, even if you’re playing the Masters," said De Bruin.

He wasn't the only person at RWC 2025 with golf on the brain this week. Ireland took advantage of the 36-hole championship course at their countryside base just outside Northampton.

"We've a few good golfers," admitted co-captain Edel McMahon. "Beth [Buttimer] played a few rounds for her 20th birthday on Monday. She is probably the best player in the squad even though she says she's not.

“[It's definitely] not Aoife Dalton. She was caddie the other day, happy just sorting out the clubs, driving around and maybe having a few putts on the greens.”

And what does Ireland head coach Scott Bemand think? “I’m not getting involved,” said the Englishman. Very wise.

3. 'Game of the round'

Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie had mixed feelings after her team's 42-14 defeat to Ireland in Pool C.

“I would really have enjoyed that game had I not been coaching it," said McKenzie. "What a game. I reckon that was the game of the round."

In terms of free-flowing, end-to-end rugby, it's hard to argue, and the game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests.

Japan started the second half strongly, scoring a try to make the scores 28-14 and were camped on the Ireland line when Eve Higgins (IRE) pounced on a loose pass to run the length of the field for the decisive score.

As McKenzie said: "If you don't take your chances..."

4. Brazil get the party started in Northampton

Brazil won plenty of fans for their ferocious defence against South Africa in Northampton having already won the hearts and minds of the locals off the field during the build-up.

On Friday night they headed to RugbyFest 2025 - a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the arrival of Rugby World Cup 2025 in the East Midlands - and they weren't just there to make up the numbers.

The Brazil team got involved in various events, including a silent disco, face painting, and showcasing their skills in Capoeira, a Brazilian art form that blends martial arts, acrobatics, music, and dance.

And it wouldn’t be a rugby festival without some rugby, so the team took to the pitch with some young fans and players to get involved in some mini touch matches.

5. Thoughts with Olsen-Baker as champions make winning start

Defending champions New Zealand got their tournament off to impressive start in York, going through the gears to beat Spain 54-8 in Pool C.

But the victory was marred by a worrying-looking ankle injury to back-row replacement Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who was in tears as she was stretchered off in the second half. 

Olsen-Baker, 23, missed Rugby World Cup 2021 (held in 2022) with a foot injury.

6. Maher gets shirty

She may be a social-media sensation and rugby superstar, but having all those followers, it seems, doesn't guarantee Ilona Maher preferential treatment.

The USA centre agreed to swap shirts with Hannah Botterman after Friday's opening clash of RWC 2025, only for the England prop to renege on the promise in favour of a young fan. Cue a light-hearted exchange between the one-time Bristol Bears teammates.