Canada surprises New Zealand and advances to the Women’s Rugby World Cup final

BRISTOL, England – Canada handed New Zealand a historic defeat with a score of 34-19 on Friday, securing their place in next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final.Having reached only one final in their history, Canada’s victory was especially sweet, 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 Black Ferns’ previous heaviest defeat, which was seven points against the United States in 1991. This was their first World Cup defeat in 18 matches.Canada imposed a fast pace from the initial whistle, which New Zealand could not cope with. They opened the scoring at seven minutes, when a kick over the New Zealand defense took them by surprise. In the next phase, Justine Pelletier scored to the left of the posts, leaving Portia Woodman-Wickliffe behind.Three minutes later, they scored their second try.On this occasion, they passed the ball to the right, where a large gap opened up in the New Zealand defense. Asia Hogan-Rochester managed to cross the try line in the corner, leaving the world champions in trouble. Uncharacteristic errors and a disjointed defense facilitated Canada’s play at times.

Canada proved too much for New Zealand in their semi-final clash at Ashton Gate.Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty ImagesFor their third try, Canada opted for a direct play, building phases and tiring out New Zealand before going right for Florence Symonds to score.Finally, after 25 minutes, New Zealand managed to get into the game with one of their first incursions into Canadian territory.A great play by Georgia Ponsonby put her team in a favorable position, before the devastating Tanya Kalounivale scored from close range.The Black Ferns stabilized, but they couldn’t keep up the pace.While her team built phases, Pelletier made a spectacular pass to Sophie de Goede, who found space and broke through from 20 meters. She couldn’t be stopped, scoring under the posts. De Goede added the extra points and Canada went up 24-7 at halftime. New Zealand was in a state of shock.

Canada will face England or France in the final next weekend at Twickenham.

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Canada’s momentum didn’t stop at halftime.Captain Alex Tessier scored after her team advanced down the field following the restart, securing their place in the final.Liana Mikaele-Tu’u scored a rare try for New Zealand after they finally got some good speed at the ruck.New Zealand finally took some control of the game, but couldn’t find a way to score until a wonderful cross-pass 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 appeared, but it would be a very difficult task. There was simply not enough time and Canada was too strong.De Goede’s penalty took Canada to 34 points, the most New Zealand has conceded in a World Cup match.Players from both teams fell to their knees after the final whistle for different reasons. Canada’s stars were visibly excited with 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.