Bristol, England – Canada secured their place in next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final after defeating New Zealand with a historic score of 34-19.
The Canadian victory was especially significant, as it allowed them to eliminate the world champions from the tournament with an impressive total of five tries, equaling a record at Ashton Gate.
The 15-point difference surpassed the Black Ferns’ widest losing margin, which was previously seven points against the United States in 1991. This was their first World Cup defeat after 18 matches.
Canada set a blistering pace from the start of the match, outplaying New Zealand. They opened the scoring after seven minutes, following a high pass that caught the Black Ferns’ defense off guard. Justine Pelletier scored shortly after, dodging Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
Three minutes later, they scored their second try, taking advantage of a wide space in the New Zealand defense. Asia Hogan-Rochester was in charge of crossing the try line, leaving the world champions in a complicated situation. Unusual errors and a disorganized defense facilitated Canada’s advance.Canada proved superior to New Zealand in their semi-final clash at Ashton Gate.For their third try, Canada opted for a direct strategy, building phases and wearing down New Zealand before Florence Symonds managed to score.
After 25 minutes, New Zealand reacted and achieved their first entry into Canadian territory. Georgia Ponsonby drove her team forward, and Tanya Kalounivale scored near the try line.
Canada maintained its momentum.
Pelletier made a spectacular pass to Sophie de Goede, who found space and advanced 20 meters to score under the posts. De Goede added the extra points, and Canada went into halftime with a 24-7 lead, leaving New Zealand in a state of shock.Canada will face England or France in the final next weekend at Twickenham.Captain Alex Tessier scored after the restart, consolidating his team’s lead. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u scored a try for New Zealand, showing greater speed in the game.
New Zealand finally took control of the game, but failed to advance until a cross pass from Ruahei Demant found Braxton Sorensen-McGee on the right wing, who scored in the corner for a score of 31-19.
An attempt at a comeback seemed improbable. Canada, with a solid defense and an effective attack, stood firm.
De Goede’s penalty elevated Canada’s score to 34 points, the most conceded by New Zealand in a World Cup match.
After the final whistle, the emotion was palpable. The Canadian players celebrated their resounding victory, while the Black Ferns showed signs of exhaustion.
The winner of the match between England and France in Bristol will face Canada in the final at Allianz Stadium Twickenham next weekend.
