Pool A

LONDON (AP) — England

World ranking: 1

Captain: Zoe Aldcroft

Coach: John Mitchell

Best finish: Champion 1994, 2014

Prospects: The team to beat. Won 57 of its last 58 tests, and the last 27, many of them blowouts. The one blip was the 2022 final in Auckland, where England overcame an 18th-minute red card to lead New Zealand until the 71st minute. England lost 34-31. The Red Roses have lost only seven times in RWC history, six of them to New Zealand, five of those in finals. Eight of the squad have never lost a test and don't have RWC baggage. Center Emily Scarratt will appear in a record-tying fifth RWC.

Australia

World ranking: 6

Captain: Siokapesi Palu

Coach: Jo Yapp

Best finish: Semifinals 2010

Prospects: The game against the U.S. on Aug. 30 will likely decide the pool

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