Canada Surprises and Reaches the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
In an emotional night in Bristol, Canada demonstrated its prowess in women’s rugby, defeating New Zealand with a score of 34-19 and securing its place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The Canadian team, which used to go unnoticed, has made it clear that its level is elite.
Canada’s coach, Kévin Rouet, had said before the match: “We are Canada, nobody knows about us, and we are happy with that!”. However, the four teams that Canada demolished on the way to the semi-final knew very well what they were capable of. New Zealand, the current champion, also found out firsthand.
Canada, currently ranked second in the world, has extended its unbeaten streak against New Zealand to three matches. Despite the reputation of the Black Ferns, who have won six of the last seven World Cups, Canada, with key figures like Sophie de Goede and Justine Pelletier, proved to be a formidable rival.New Zealand’s defeat was the most lopsided in a World Cup match, with the most points conceded and the most tries allowed. This achievement comes after Canada turned to crowdfunding to participate in the tournament, raising nearly a million Canadian dollars, which provided them with the platform to shine.
“We have defied the odds time and again and that has a way of uniting us, driving us, and fostering in the group the knowledge that we can overcome anything,” said De Goede.
Sophie de Goede
From the start of the match, Canada dominated, employing varied strategies and an impressive speed of play. Pelletier’s skill and the team’s determination paved the way for victory.New Zealand couldn’t counter Canada’s game, which achieved four tries in the first half. Sophie de Goede, with her skill in all facets of the game, was a key figure. Her performance in the second half, along with Tessier’s fifth try, consolidated the Canadian victory.Rouet expressed his satisfaction and his focus on the next challenge: “I told the girls to stop crying because we have a job to do in eight days. That’s the mentality.”
Alysha Corrigan, a player from Canada, highlighted the team’s spirit: “I think that’s something that fuels our fire. It’s not new for us, we’re usually seen as the underdog and we don’t always get the recognition we think we deserve.”
The 34-19 victory reflects Canada’s superiority, but also its solid defense. Although New Zealand has outstanding players, Canada knew how to neutralize their attacks and remain calm even when New Zealand tried a comeback.
Canada will now have an extra day of rest before the final, where they will face the winner of the match between England and France. “I think we’ve gone from being the dark horse to the underdog,” De Goede commented. “We’ll see who’s next in that final.”
