BRISTOL, England – Canada defeated New Zealand with a historic 34-19 victory on Friday, securing their place in next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
Having reached only one final in their history, Canada’s victory was sweet for many reasons, as they eliminated the world champions from the tournament with a combined record of five tries at Ashton Gate.
The 15-point margin surpassed the previous record defeat of the Black Ferns, which was seven points against the United States in 1991. This was their first World Cup defeat in 18 matches.
Canada imposed a breakneck pace from the initial whistle, which New Zealand could not cope with. They opened the scoring at seven minutes when a kick over the defense surprised the Black Ferns. In the next phase, Justine Pelletier scored to the left of the posts, outpacing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on her way.
Three minutes later, they got the second try. This time, they passed the ball to the right, where a big gap in the New Zealand defense was waiting to be exploited. Asia Hogan-Rochester launched herself into the corner and the world champions were on the ropes. Uncharacteristic errors and a disjointed defense made things easier for Canada at times.Canada proved to be too much for New Zealand in their semi-final clash at Ashton Gate.
For their third try, Canada opted for the direct route, building phases and tiring New Zealand before going right for Florence Symonds to score.
Finally, after 25 minutes, New Zealand entered the game with one of their first incursions into Canadian territory. A great play by Georgia Ponsonby put her team on the offensive before the destructive Tanya Kalounivale scored from close range.
The Black Ferns stabilized, but they couldn’t keep up the pace.
While her team built phases, Pelletier delivered a spectacular pass to Sophie de Goede, who found space and broke through from 20 meters. She wouldn’t stop, scoring under the posts. De Goede added the extra points and Canada went up 24-7 at halftime. New Zealand was shocked.
Canada will face England or France in the final next weekend at Twickenham.
Canada’s momentum didn’t stop at halftime.
Captain Alex Tessier scored after her team advanced down the field following the restart and, if they hadn’t already, put a foot in the final.
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u landed a rare blow for New Zealand after they finally managed good speed at the ruck.
New Zealand finally took some control of the game, but couldn’t find a way to advance until a wonderful cross-kick from Ruahei Demant found Braxton Sorensen-McGee on the right wing. The revelation star of the tournament scored in the corner to put the score at 31-19.
A glimmer of a comeback was in the air, but it would be a huge task. There simply wasn’t enough time and Canada was too strong.
De Goede’s penalty took Canada to 34 points, the most New Zealand has conceded in a World Cup match.
The players from both teams sank to their knees after the final whistle for different reasons. Canada’s stars were visibly excited with their resounding victory, while the Black Ferns looked exhausted.
The winner of the semi-final clash between England and France in Bristol will face Canada in the final at Allianz Stadium Twickenham next weekend.
