knockout

They are into knockout rugby, with France their potential semi-final opponents and New Zealand or Canada looming in the 27 September showpiece if the world rankings play out.

Apart from the absence of injured captain Zoe Aldcroft, who hopes to return for the knockout stages, England are near full strength.

The Rams, meanwhile, open at home Sunday against the Houston Texans, the team that nine months ago delivered an opening-round knockout of the Chargers in the playoffs.

Aldcroft suffered a knee injury in the tournament-opening win over the United States which has ruled her out until the knockout stages at least.

First, on Saturday evening, Australia and the United States traded the lead in a thrilling 31-31 draw that kept both sides' knockout hopes alive.