BRISTOL, England – Canada achieved a historic victory over New Zealand, defeating them 34-19 in a match that will be etched in the memory of women’s rugby. This result secures their place in the final of next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Canada, who had only reached one final in its history, celebrated this victory for multiple reasons, eliminating the world champions from the tournament with a combined record of five tries at Ashton Gate.
The 15-point difference surpassed the Black Ferns’ widest losing margin, which had been seven points against the United States in 1991. Furthermore, this was their first World Cup defeat after 18 matches.
Canada set a blistering pace from the start, outplaying New Zealand. They opened the scoring at seven minutes with a kick that surprised the Black Ferns’ defense. Justine Pelletier scored the first try, leaving Portia Woodman-Wickliffe behind.
Three minutes later, the second Canadian try arrived. Taking advantage of a gap in the New Zealand defense, Asia Hogan-Rochester extended the lead. The errors and disorganized defense of the world champions facilitated Canada’s game.For their third try, Canada built phases and wore down New Zealand, culminating in a try by Florence Symonds.
New Zealand reacted after 25 minutes, with a run by Georgia Ponsonby that set the stage for Tanya Kalounivale to score.
Canada continued their dominance, with Pelletier assisting Sophie de Goede, who advanced 20 meters to score under the posts. De Goede added the extra points, leaving the score at 24-7 at halftime. New Zealand was stunned.Canada’s momentum didn’t stop at halftime.
Captain Alex Tessier scored after the restart, consolidating her team’s lead. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u scored a try for New Zealand, after improving the speed in the ruck.
New Zealand took some control, but couldn’t capitalize 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.
A comeback attempt was glimpsed, but time was not enough, and Canada remained strong.
De Goede’s penalty raised Canada’s score to 34 points, the most conceded by New Zealand in a World Cup match.
After the final whistle, the players from both teams reacted with mixed emotions. The Canadians celebrated their resounding victory, while the Black Ferns looked exhausted.
The winner of the match between England and France in Bristol will face Canada in the final at Allianz Stadium Twickenham next week.
