BRISTOL, England – Canada handed New Zealand a historic defeat with a score of 34-19 on Friday, securing their place in next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
After having reached only one final in their history, Canada’s victory was especially significant, as they eliminated the world champions from the tournament with five tries, equaling a record, at Ashton Gate.
The 15-point margin surpassed the previous record Black Ferns defeat of seven points, which occurred against the United States in 1991. This was their first World Cup defeat in 18 matches.
Canada set a blistering pace from the start, to which New Zealand couldn’t adapt. They opened the scoring at seven minutes after a launch that surprised the Black Ferns’ defense. Justine Pelletier scored, leaving Portia Woodman-Wickliffe behind.
Three minutes later, they got their second try. This time, the ball moved through the hands to the right, where a gap in the New Zealand defense was waiting to be exploited. Asia Hogan-Rochester crossed the try line, leaving the world champions in trouble. Unusual errors and a disorganized defense facilitated the game for Canada at certain times.For their third try, Canada opted for a direct strategy, building phases and tiring New Zealand before passing the ball to the right for Florence Symonds to score.
Finally, after 25 minutes, New Zealand managed to get into the game with one of their first forays into Canadian territory.
A great run from Georgia Ponsonby put her team in a favorable position, before Tanya Kalounivale scored from close range.
The Black Ferns stabilized, but failed to advance.
While her team built phases, Pelletier made a spectacular pass to Sophie de Goede, who found space and advanced 20 meters. De Goede scored under the posts and added the extra points, leaving Canada with a 24-7 lead at halftime. New Zealand was in a state of shock.
Canada’s impetus did not stop at halftime.
Captain Alex Tessier scored after her team advanced down the field following the restart, putting one foot in the final, if they hadn’t already.
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u scored a try 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 forward until a wonderful cross-field kick from Ruahei Demant found Braxton Sorensen-McGee on the right wing. The breakout star of the tournament scored in the corner, bringing the score to 31-19.
A comeback attempt was glimpsed, but it was a very difficult task. There was simply not enough time left 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.
Players from both teams knelt after the final whistle for different reasons. The Canadian stars were visibly excited about 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.
