Canada crushes Australia and will face New Zealand in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals

Canada Secures Semifinal Spot in Women’s Rugby World Cup After Defeating Australia

Canada qualified for the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, after a resounding victory over Australia with a score of 46-5 in Bristol on Saturday. Canada’s dominant performance in the first half was key to their advance in this quarter-final match, while the second 40 minutes unfolded amidst heavy rain. After New Zealand’s Black Ferns overcame a difficult test against South Africa in Exeter, Canada demonstrated an efficient performance against the Wallaroos, scoring seven tries in the process and joining the New Zealanders in next Friday’s semi-final. Canada’s tries showcased their versatile attack, combining the speed in their backs’ passes with the necessary strength to advance directly when required. For Australia, this result marks the end of their participation in the World Cup.

In what was coach Jo Yapp’s last match in charge, Australia gave it their all in the quarter-finals, but couldn’t match Canada’s speed and their ability to quickly change the direction of the attack. The favorites dominated the first 40 minutes, demonstrating that Canada was up to its ranking as number 2 in the world in this sport. Although Desiree Miller scored for Australia, Canada maintained control, scoring five tries in the first half and having two more disallowed. Asia Hogan-Rochester opened the scoring for Canada at two minutes, and although the Wallaroos responded with a try by Miller at nine minutes, Canada was in control of the match. With a rapid speed in the rucks, Alysha Corrigan scored twice, and Sophie de Goede, Player of the Match, along with McKinley Hunt, also achieved tries, bringing the score to 31-5 at halftime. Australia came out with determination in the second half, but their set-piece play was unstable, sapping their momentum. Canada showed greater precision in the rainy conditions, with Fabiola Forteza scoring a try.

As the public sought shelter, both teams struggled with handling in the inclement weather. Australia found a bit more rhythm, but Canada’s defense held firm, preserving their comfortable lead.

With both teams exhausting their substitutes and the result already decided, the pace of the match slowed. Canada chose to add points with a penalty eight minutes from the end, which Alex Tessier converted. Karen Paquin, 38, secured the Canadian victory with a sensational individual effort, scoring a try after breaking the Australian line. This result guarantees Canada its sixth World Cup semi-final.