Canada Shocks New Zealand and Advances to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final

Canada Destroys New Zealand and Advances to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final

BRISTOL, England – Canada is no longer the surprise team. After an impressive performance, the Canadians defeated New Zealand with a score of 34-19 on a memorable night, securing their place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Canada’s coach, Kévin Rouet, had stated before the match: “We are Canada, nobody knows us, and we are happy with that!”. However, the four teams that Canada had overcome on the road to the semi-final already knew the strength of the Canadians. Now, New Zealand knows it too. Canada, ranked second in the world, proved its worth, extending its unbeaten streak against New Zealand to three matches. Despite the impressive record of the Black Ferns, winners of six of the last seven World Cups, Canada, led by the exceptional Sophie de Goede and the talented Justine Pelletier, was not intimidated.

Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

The defeat was tough for New Zealand, representing their largest margin of defeat in a World Cup match and the most points conceded in the tournament. The five tries scored by Canada also equaled the most they had received in the tournament. Canada’s path to success was supported by a fundraising campaign that raised nearly CAN$1 million, allowing them to shine on the world stage.

“We’ve defied the odds time and again and that has a way of bringing us together, propelling us forward and fostering that knowledge in the group that we can overcome anything,” said De Goede.

Sophie de Goede

From the first minutes of the match, Canada dominated New Zealand with a multifaceted game, utilizing aerial play, speed in the rucks, and unwavering determination. Pelletier, with his speed, facilitated the game, scoring the first try.

1:17Canada surprises New Zealand to reach the Rugby World Cup finalCanada demonstrated its superiority, and New Zealand couldn’t match its level. Taylor Perry threw a precise pass to Asia Hogan-Rochester, who scored a try. The score at halftime, with four Canadian tries, including one by De Goede, reflected their dominance. De Goede’s performance was sublime, demonstrating her ability in the game, in attack and in defense. The player was key in the second half, and although New Zealand tried to react, Canada maintained its advantage.

Image: Canada will face the winner of England and France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final. Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images

Rouet expressed his satisfaction and confidence in the team: “I felt a year and a half ago that we could achieve something and I am happy that we are one game away from achieving what we want.” Canada’s victory, with a final score of 34-19, was a clear reflection of their superiority. Despite the praise for their attack, their defense also stood out, containing a New Zealand team that had high-level players.

Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images

Despite New Zealand’s attempts to come back, Canada maintained its firmness. Captain Tessier praised the team’s effort: “It was high intensity. That was our game plan, to pressure them. We did a good job and managed to recover the ball.”

Canada will now have an extra day of rest before the final, and will be able to observe the match between England and France. The Canadians have proven their worth and are no longer the “underdogs”.

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

Sophie de Goede