The encounter marks the first meeting between the two nations since a difficult 90-4 defeat for England in Las Vegas in March 2025. That previous result, which saw Australia score 17 tries, served as a sobering experience for the English squad.

England head coach Stuart Barrow has emphasised that his current group is vastly different from the one that played in Nevada. Only six players from that previous squad remain, with a new, youthful dynamic defining the current selection.

Barrow expressed confidence in his players ahead of the match, stating that the squad is approaching the game with excitement rather than fear. He believes the younger members of the team are eager to test themselves against the world's best.

The England camp has been bolstered by a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Wales 70-6 in their opening fixture. Despite the win, Barrow noted that the team must improve their ball retention and reduce unforced handling errors.

Preparation for the clash with Australia has been impacted by the loss of Jasmin Strange, who suffered a serious knee injury in training on Tuesday. The Sydney Roosters second-row forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Australia, who have dominated international rugby league and lost only once since 2016, began their World Cup campaign with a 40-0 victory over Samoa. They remain the benchmark for the sport at the international level.

Australian hooker Keeley Nizza acknowledged the rivalry between the two nations but insisted that her team is not underestimating the opposition. She noted that England has evolved significantly as a side since their last meeting.

England’s squad features several standout performers, including debutant centre Connie Boyd, who scored a hat-trick against Wales. The team also includes 19-year-old Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister and her Wigan team-mate Isabel Rowe.

Isabel Rowe made a significant impact in the opening match, scoring 26 points, the highest tally by an England female player in a single World Cup game. Her partnership with Foubister has been described by Barrow as telepathic.

Winger Amelia Brown has also drawn attention after a viral performance against Wales, which included a 107-metre try. Barrow praised the 22-year-old’s debut, noting the positive impact such moments have on the visibility of the women's game.

Barrow remains focused on the tactical challenge posed by Australia, stressing the importance of respecting possession. He stated that while the past defeat is buried, it has provided valuable lessons for the team's development over the last 18 months.

The England coach confirmed that senior players who were involved in the 2025 match have been sharing their experiences with the younger squad members. This peer-to-peer learning is intended to help the team navigate the pressures of the tournament.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:05 BST on Saturday. It will be broadcast with live commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, the BBC Sounds platform, and the official BBC Sport website and app.

As the tournament progresses, the result of this fixture will be crucial for both teams' standings. England are aiming to demonstrate their growth and competitiveness against a side that has historically held the upper hand in international rugby league.

The atmosphere in Perth is expected to be intense, with both teams looking to secure a vital win. For England, the focus is on executing their game plan and maintaining focus throughout the full 80 minutes against the Jillaroos.

The tournament serves as a platform for the growth of women's rugby league globally. Both Barrow and the players are aware of the opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider audience through high-quality performances on the field.

With the injury to Strange, the depth of the England squad will be tested. However, the coaching staff remains confident in the ability of the remaining players to step up and perform under the pressure of a World Cup environment.

The match represents a pivotal moment for England as they seek to establish themselves as genuine contenders on the world stage. A strong performance against Australia would be a significant statement of intent for the remainder of the competition.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the tactical adjustments made by Barrow translate against the world champions. The outcome will likely shape the narrative for the rest of the tournament as the knockout stages approach.

Flanker Alex Callender is set to achieve a major personal milestone by winning her 50th international cap for her country. The 26-year-old will lead the team out alongside fellow back-row forward and co-captain Kate Williams as they tackle the Sakura Fifteen in foreign conditions.

Callender earned her inaugural international cap back in 2019 and reaches the half-century mark following a determined recovery from various injuries. She suffered fitness setbacks before, during, and after the 2025 Rugby World Cup cycle before returning strongly to action.

Her comeback included an appearance in an uncapped fixture against the Barbarians in June, followed by a player-of-the-match performance against South Africa. She also managed to get on the scoresheet during the narrow defeat by the United States at Cardiff Arms Park.

Head coach Lynn paid tribute to the industrious flanker's dedication and character ahead of her landmark appearance in the Japanese capital. He highlighted her immense passion and the profound leadership qualities she brings to the wider squad environment.

According to the coaching staff, Callender has evolved her tactical repertoire significantly beyond her renowned defensive capabilities. While her breakdown work and tackling remain exceptional, she has developed into a potent attacking option in wide channels.

The team management has worked hard on expanding her handling skills during the pre-season training block to utilise her as an extra playmaker. This tactical shift aims to give the Welsh side an added dimension in their expansive attacking structure.

Alongside Callender's milestone, sisters Nel and Branwen Metcalfe are poised to make history by starting a Test match together for the first time. The sibling duo previously featured alongside each other during the 2025 global tournament and recent exhibition matches.

Branwen Metcalfe, aged 20, secures her sixth consecutive start in the second row where she will partner promising young lock Jorja Aiono. Meanwhile, her 21-year-old sister Nel returns to the starting XV on the wing after recovering from a knee injury.

Nel Metcalfe missed the entire Six Nations campaign due to that knee ligament problem sustained following her impressive World Cup performances. Lynn expressed confidence in her explosive running capabilities and physical development ahead of the weekend clash.

The team selection features three personnel alterations in total compared to the narrow September defeat against the United States. Aside from Nel Metcalfe's return, Seren Lockwood comes back into the starting XV to wear the scrum-half jersey.

Jorja Aiono also earns a starting berth in the second row as part of the strategic adjustments made by the coaching staff. Furthermore, two positional switches have been implemented within the back division for this crucial fixture.

Carys Cox shifts inwards to operate in the centre position, while Keira Bevan is selected to pull the strings from fly-half. Bevan returns to the number 10 role following an encouraging partnership with Lockwood during the early stages of the South Africa encounter.

Lynn noted that Bevan possesses excellent maturity in managing the tactical kicking game and brings great energy to the backline. Lleucu George remains available among the replacements after providing cover during previous autumn international fixtures.

Wales enter this weekend's contest positioned 11th in the official World Rugby rankings, sitting one place above their upcoming opponents. Their opposition, Japan, experienced a challenging run of results recently, including a heavy defeat to Italy.

The Sakura Fifteen also suffered consecutive reversals against Ireland during the WXV Global Series and an additional friendly fixture. Despite those results, the Welsh coaching staff have warned against complacency when facing the disciplined Japanese outfit.

Lynn specifically highlighted the efficiency and structured nature of the Japanese team, noting their dangerous driving maul capability. Consequently, the coaching ticket has opted for a bench split containing six forwards to maintain physical intensity throughout.

The replacement reserves bench features Reardon, Pyrs, E Jones, Crabb, G Evans, B Lewis, George, and Keight. This group will provide crucial impact during the latter stages of the match at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.

The international fixture kicks off at 10:30 British Summer Time and will be broadcast live across various platforms. Supporters in the United Kingdom can follow the action via television coverage and digital streaming services.

Audio commentary will also be provided across several radio wavelengths, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans following the team from afar. The match serves as an important stepping stone for both nations within the WXV Global Series framework.

The 56-year-old Dutch manager, who has led the Lionesses since September 2021, expressed her commitment to the role during Monday's announcement. Wiegman stated that she remains fully focused on the upcoming challenges and is eager to continue developing the squad's potential over the coming years.

"I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football," Wiegman said. "Working for a world-class organisation like The FA, and alongside so many people dedicated to winning England teams and the growth of our game, excites me every day."

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Wiegman’s leadership and her significant contributions to English football. He highlighted her unparalleled record in major tournaments and expressed confidence that she is the ideal person to guide the team through the next two major cycles.

Wiegman’s tenure has been marked by historic success for the Lionesses. She guided the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2022, defeating Germany in the final at Wembley. She subsequently led the side to the 2023 World Cup final in Australia.

In 2025, Wiegman achieved further success by securing a second consecutive European Championship title after a victory over Spain. This achievement made the Lionesses the first England team, men's or women's, to win a major trophy on foreign soil.

By reaching the 2025 final, Wiegman became the first manager in international football to reach five consecutive major tournament finals. This streak includes her time with the Netherlands, where she won the Euro 2017 title and reached the 2019 World Cup final.

Wiegman is currently preparing the squad for a crucial two-legged play-off against Ukraine, scheduled for November and December. The winner of this tie will secure a place in the 2027 World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Brazil.

The England manager emphasised that her immediate priority is ensuring the team qualifies for the World Cup. She noted that the squad has an important task ahead to confirm their place in the tournament and aims to deliver another memorable summer for the country.

Beyond the World Cup, the new contract covers the 2027 Nations League campaign. This competition serves as a vital pathway for qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, providing a clear roadmap for the team’s development over the next three years.

Wiegman replaced Phil Neville as head coach five years ago and has since transformed the team into a consistent force on the global stage. Her tactical acumen has been widely credited for the Lionesses' ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes environments.

The FA’s decision to extend the contract now provides stability for the squad. By finalising the deal before the World Cup play-offs, the organisation has removed potential distractions regarding the manager's future, allowing the players to focus entirely on their upcoming fixtures.

Wiegman’s record also includes becoming the second manager in history, after Germany’s Christina Theune, to win three successive European Championships. Her influence extends beyond the pitch, as she continues to be a prominent figure in the growth of the women's game.

The England squad recently demonstrated their form by defeating Greece 8-1 on aggregate in the first round of the World Cup play-offs. This comprehensive victory serves as a positive indicator of the team's momentum heading into the decisive matches against Ukraine.

As the Lionesses look toward the future, Wiegman remains committed to her philosophy of continuous improvement. She has frequently spoken about the depth of talent within the English setup and her desire to help younger players integrate into the senior international environment.

The FA has indicated that Wiegman will continue to play an instrumental role in the broader development of women's football in England. Her involvement is seen as a key component in sustaining the recent surge in popularity and professional standards within the domestic game.

With her long-term future now secured, Wiegman is set to lead England into a busy period of international football. The focus remains on maintaining the high standards that have defined her tenure since she first arrived in the country in 2021.

The football community has largely welcomed the news, viewing the extension as a reflection of the strong relationship between Wiegman and the FA. The stability provided by this contract is expected to benefit the team as they navigate the challenges of the next three years.

Wiegman’s focus remains singular as she prepares for the upcoming winter fixtures. While the contract extension is a significant milestone, the manager has made it clear that her primary concern is the immediate challenge of securing qualification for the World Cup in Brazil.

As England prepares to face Ukraine, the team will aim to build on their recent performances. With Wiegman at the helm until 2029, the Lionesses are well-positioned to remain among the elite contenders in international women's football.

The fixture got off to an unexpected start when Wales capitalised on early handling errors from their opponents. Paige Travis bundled over the whitewash to spark wild celebrations among the Welsh team and supporters inside the stadium, temporarily silencing the favourites.

That early breakthrough momentarily drew Wales level and stunned the English camp after just ten minutes of play. It was a historic moment for the tournament debutants, who had faced heavy defeats in their previous competitive encounters against the same opposition without scoring a single point.

However, the initial setback served to sharpen England's focus significantly after a shaky start. They responded by taking total control of the contest, systematically dismantling the Welsh defensive structure through quick passing, sharp angles, and superior physical conditioning across the pitch.

By the time the half-time interval arrived, England had accumulated a commanding 40-6 advantage. They crossed for seven tries in the opening forty minutes alone, effectively putting the result beyond any doubt well before the referee signaled for the break.

Wing Anna Davies and tournament debutant Connie Boyd both crossed for impressive hat-tricks during the encounter. Their clinical finishing out wide repeatedly punished the tiring Welsh defensive line as the match progressed into the second half.

Playmaker Izzy Rowe orchestrated much of the attacking masterclass while adding two tries of her own. She also kicked nine successful conversions from ten attempts to finish the match with an impressive personal points haul of 26.

Rowe's total equalled the longstanding record for the most points scored by an individual England player in a single Women's World Cup fixture. Her control of the tempo and distribution earned her widespread acclaim as one of the standout performers on the opening weekend.

Reflecting on the match during his post-match media conference, England head coach Stu Barrow admitted that conceding early caused a brief shock. He noted that the squad settled into their patterns nicely once they found their rhythm after the opening ten minutes.

Barrow stated that you cannot expect to keep a clean sheet in every match at this level of international competition. He expressed overall satisfaction with the team executing roughly seventy to eighty percent of the tactical objectives he had outlined before kick-off.

Among the other try-scorers for England was Amelia Brown, who opened the scoring early in the first half with a slick move. Brown later contributed one of the most memorable moments of the entire tournament with an incredible length-of-the-field effort.

Following a Welsh attacking kick into the corner, the bounce favoured Brown behind her own try line. She collected the loose ball cleanly and sprinted an astonishing 109 metres down the field to touch down, thoroughly demoralising the chasing defenders.

Further tries came from Georgia Wilson, Hollie-Mae Dodd, and heritage debutant Jasmin Strange, who made a strong impact on her first appearance. The sheer depth of the English squad proved too much to handle as substitutes maintained the relentless attacking intensity right to the final whistle.

The final minutes saw England add three more tries to punctuate their dominance on the scoreboard. The gulf in international experience and physical conditioning became starkly apparent as the game wore on toward its conclusion under the Perth lights.

For Wales, head coach Tom Brindle will nevertheless extract valuable lessons from their historic tournament debut. Captain Bethan Dainton had emphasised before the tournament that the squad's primary goal was to remain competitive despite their limited international experience of having played only 13 games as a nation.

Wales had previously lost their only two international meetings against England by a combined score of 144-0. Scoring their first ever World Cup try against such formidable opponents represents a significant milestone for the growing nation as they seek to build the sport.

The tournament schedule does not afford much time for recovery as the group stage continues at a rapid pace. Wales will now turn their attention toward a crucial upcoming fixture against Samoa in Pool A, which represents another major test of their resolve.

That fixture against Samoa is widely viewed as the most realistic opportunity for Wales to secure a historic victory at the tournament. They remain realistic about the challenges ahead alongside reigning world champions Australia in a very tough group.

Meanwhile, England's coaching staff are already shifting their focus to a much sterner test next weekend in their second pool fixture. They are scheduled to face co-hosts Australia in what promises to be a pivotal Group A showdown on Saturday.

Australia enter that fixture following their own impressive opening victory over Samoa on the opening day of action. England will be eager to test themselves against the reigning champions as they pursue their ultimate ambition of reaching a World Cup final for the first time.