BRISTOL, England – Canada achieved a historic victory over New Zealand, defeating them 34-19 on Friday and securing their place in next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
After reaching only one final in their history, Canada’s victory was significant 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 Black Ferns’ record defeat of seven points, which occurred 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 couldn’t match. They opened the scoring at seven minutes, when a kick over the Black Ferns’ defense took them by surprise. A phase later, Justine Pelletier scored to the left of the posts, outpacing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on her way.
Three minutes later, they scored their second try.
This time, they passed the ball through the hands to the right, where a large space in the New Zealand defense was waiting to be exploited. Asia Hogan-Rochester crossed the scoring line and the world champions were on the ropes. Uncharacteristic errors and a disjointed defense facilitated the game for Canada at times.Canadá demostró ser demasiado para Nueva Zelanda en su enfrentamiento de semifinales en Ashton Gate.
Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty ImagesFor their third try, Canada built phases and tired New Zealand before going right for Florence Symonds to score.
Finally, after 25 minutes, New Zealand got into the game with one of its first forays into Canadian territory.
A great play by Georgia Ponsonby put her team in an advantageous position before the destructive Tanya Kalounivale scored from close range.
The Black Ferns stabilized, but failed to capitalize.
While her team built phases, Pelletier made a spectacular pass to Sophie de Goede, who found space and advanced 20 meters. She would not be stopped, scoring under the posts. De Goede added the extra points and Canada went up 24-7 at halftime. New Zealand was shocked.Canadá se enfrentará a Inglaterra o Francia en la final del próximo fin de semana en Twickenham.
Paul Harding/Getty ImagesCanada’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 one foot in the final.
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u scored a rare 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 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 glimpsed, but it would be a very difficult task. There was simply not enough time left and Canada was too strong.
De Goede’s penalty led Canada to 34 points, the most New Zealand has conceded in a World Cup match.
The 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.
