Lilli Ives-Campion relishes World Cup debut in familiar surroundings

There was a curious sense of normality as Lilli Ives-Campion made her Rugby World Cup debut for England.

Such a description might seem a paradox, but in a John Mitchell side that prides itself on strength in depth, the ability to slot seamlessly into the starting XV has become second nature.

Ives-Campion was one of 13 changes from England’s opening pool match, yet there was no hint of disruption as they stormed to a record-breaking 92–3 victory over Samoa in front of a 13,615-strong home crowd in Northampton.

“It was incredible to make my World Cup debut,” she said. “This is my club as well, because I play for Loughborough Lightning, so just being here with the home fans and my family was super special.

“But as a team they made it as easy as possible. It felt normal — which is strange to say — but the group brought so much calm and normality into it. It just felt really good.

“For us, it’s like we’re one squad and we’ve got to be interchangeable. It’s really good for everyone to get that opportunity at the World Cup. We work really well together in training and between the two squads.”

A clinical display from the Red Roses in Northampton 🌹 #RWC2025 | #ENGvSAM pic.twitter.com/vToADkAtbg

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 30, 2025

Mitchell has been outspoken about his plan to create “two teams” within the England squad, and with all but one of his 32 players now involved, Saturday’s demolition was testament to the project’s success.

The Red Roses showed no sign of slowing. Meg Jones opened the scoring inside three minutes and secured the bonus point within 20, after England had swept aside the USA 69–7 in their group opener.

Jones finished with two tries and, alongside Jess Breach — who crossed for a hat-trick and scored her 50th international try — was one of only two players to start both matches. But she stressed that constant rotation had not broken their rhythm.

“We’ve built combinations over the past three years,” said Jones, whose tenacious versatility across the backs makes her such a key part of Mitchell's planning.

“It’s not just a case of turning up on Saturday. We’ve always worked on these connections.

“I know how these girls play — I’ve played with them for years — and it shows. It shows the depth we’ve got and the belief in this team. Everyone wants to shine individually, but also collectively. If you do the ‘me bit’ right, everything else looks after itself.

“That’s really important for us: individuals performing well, but always within their role and understanding their role in the team. That came through on so many levels today.”

Nine of the tries were scored by players who did not start against the USA, including Helena Rowland, whose 11 conversions gave her a record 27 points in a single World Cup match. England now have debutants settled and firing, leaving Mitchell with a happy dilemma ahead of their final pool fixture in Brighton.

HALF CENTURY 💥

Jess Breach now has 50 international tries to her name and she's not done yet...#RWC2025 | #ENGvSAM | @RedRosesRugby pic.twitter.com/FcWAkrZJAm

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 30, 2025

Victory also extended England’s winning streak to 29 Tests, but they will be wary of an Australia side who need a result after drawing 31–31 with the USA.

“I’d love to play every game, to be honest,” Jones said. “That’s why we do it: hate training, love playing.

“Australia is going to be an important one for us because we want to finish on a high going into the knockouts. They’re not going to roll over. They’ve got a lot of passion, probably a lot of firepower. They’ll come out all guns blazing. It won’t be easy.”

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