Six years ago, the possiblity of filling 82,000 seats for a Women's Rugby World Cup final seemed fanciful. But a booming game has confounded expectations.

Prospects: A team that should stay poised under pressure. Eleven players have more than 50 caps, led by back Sofia Stefan’s 98. Ten players are going to their third RWC. Keep an eye on center-wing Alyssa D’Inca, a threat since last year who scored four tries across the Azzurre’s warmup wins over Scotland and Japan.