Canada, from crowdfunding to the Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Canada Surprises and Reaches the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final

In an exciting night in Bristol, Canada showed that it is no longer an underestimated team. After defeating New Zealand with a score of 34-19, the Canadian team secured its place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Coach Kévin Rouet had said before the match: “We are Canada, nobody knows us, and we are happy with that.” However, the four teams that Canada defeated on the way to the semi-finals already knew their potential. Now, New Zealand also knows it, after suffering a historic defeat. Canada, currently in second place in the world ranking, has demonstrated its superiority by remaining undefeated in three matches against New Zealand. The “Black Ferns”, with six world titles to their name, could not resist Canada’s game, led by key figures such as Sophie de Goede and Justine Pelletier.

New Zealand’s defeat marked their largest margin of loss in a World Cup match, the most points conceded in the tournament, and the most tries conceded (five). Canada’s path to success was fueled, in part, by a fundraising campaign that raised nearly a million Canadian dollars, allowing them to shine on the world stage.

“We have defied the odds time and again and that has a way of uniting us, propelling us forward and fostering that knowledge in the group that we can overcome anything,” stated De Goede.

Sophie de Goede

The match was dominated by Canada, who displayed a multifaceted and effective game. Their speed at the ruck, Pelletier’s precision, and the ability to break the opposing defense were key factors in their victory.

De Goede’s game, with its versatility in both attack and defense, was fundamental to the Canadian triumph. His performance in the second half, along with Tessier’s try, secured the victory.

Canada will now face the winner of the match between England and France in the final, which will be played next Saturday at Twickenham.

“I felt a year and a half ago that we could do something and I am happy that we are one game away from achieving what we want,” said Rouet. “I told the girls to stop crying because we have a job to do in eight days. That’s the mentality.”

Kévin Rouet

Canada’s defensive performance was also crucial, limiting a New Zealand team with outstanding players. Despite New Zealand’s attempts to come back, Canada maintained its strength and secured its place in the final.

Next Saturday, Canada will seek to make history in the final, after demonstrating that they are genuine contenders for the title.

“I think that’s something that fuels our fire,” said Canada wing player Alysha Corrigan. “It’s something that’s not new to us, we’re usually seen as the underdog and we don’t always get the recognition we think we deserve.”

Alysha Corrigan

Captain Tessier expressed her pride in the team’s effort and highlighted the importance of their strategy to pressure New Zealand and force errors.

“I’m proud of the girls for the effort,” said captain Tessier. “It was high intensity. That was our game plan, to pressure them. We did a good job with that and managed to regain possession.”

Tessier

Canada will now have an extra day of rest before the final, while awaiting the result of the match between England and France. They are no longer an unknown team; they have proven their worth and are ready to compete for the championship.

“I guess we’ve gone from being a dark horse to an underdog,” De Goede said. “We’ll see what’s next in that final.”

Sophie de Goede