Canada Destroys New Zealand and Advances to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
Canada is no longer an underestimated team. After an impressive victory over New Zealand with a score of 34-19, the Canadian team has demonstrated its worth in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Canada coach, Kévin Rouet, used to say before matches: “We are Canada, nobody knows us, and we are happy with that.” However, the four teams that Canada has defeated on their way to the 2025 Rugby World Cup semi-final already knew the strength of the Canadians. Now, New Zealand knows it too.
Canada, currently number two in the world, has maintained an undefeated record of three matches against New Zealand. The Black Ferns, winners of six of the last seven World Cups, faced a Canadian team led by key figures such as Sophie de Goede and Justine Pelletier.New Zealand’s defeat was the largest in a World Cup match, with the most points conceded and five tries against.
The Canadian team, which raised nearly one million Canadian dollars through a crowdfunding campaign, has demonstrated its ability to shine on the world stage.
We have defied the odds time and time again and that unites us, drives us forward and fosters in the group the knowledge that we can overcome anything.
Sophie De Goede
The match was dominated by Canada, who played multifaceted and incredible rugby. They used the aerial game, dominated the breakdown, and showed amazing reaction speed. Pelletier, with her skill, opened up spaces for her teammates and scored the first try.Canada will face the winner of the match between England and France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
Sophie de Goede, with her goal-scoring ability, her breakdown prowess, her speed in attack, and her precise hands, was a key figure in the match. In the second half, Canada scored their fifth try and resisted New Zealand’s comeback attempt.Coach Rouet expressed his satisfaction and his focus on the next challenge. “I told the girls to stop crying because we have work to do in eight days. That’s the mentality.”
Alysha Corrigan, a player from Canada, highlighted that the team feels motivated by being considered the “underdog”.
Canada’s victory, with a final score of 34-19, was a recognition of their attacking game and solid defense. Despite the presence of outstanding New Zealand players, such as Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Canada managed to maintain control of the match.Canada, after resisting New Zealand’s comeback attempts, prepares for the final with an extra day of rest.
Captain Tessier praised the team’s effort and their game plan. “That was our game plan, to put them under pressure. We did a good job at that and managed to recover the ball.”
Canada, no longer considered an underestimated team, prepares for the World Cup final. De Goede commented: “I think we’ve gone from being a dark horse to an ‘underdog’. We’ll see what the next step is in the final.”
