Canada Surprises and Advances to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
In an emotional night in Bristol, Canada showed that it is no longer an underestimated team. After defeating New Zealand with a resounding score of 34-19, the Canadian team is preparing for the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Canada’s coach, Kévin Rouet, used to say before the match: “We are Canada, nobody knows us, and we are happy with that!” However, the four teams that Canada demolished on their way to the semi-final knew very well what they were capable of. New Zealand, the current title holder, also found out the hard way.
Canada, currently in second place in the world ranking, has achieved three consecutive victories against New Zealand. The Black Ferns, with six world titles to their name, could not resist Canada’s strategic game, led by key figures such as Sophie de Goede and Justine Pelletier.New Zealand’s defeat, with the largest point difference in a World Cup match and the most points conceded, reflects Canada’s superiority. The Canadian team, which raised nearly a million Canadian dollars for its campaign, has proven its worth on the court.
“We have defied the odds time and again, and that unites us, drives us forward, and fosters within the group the knowledge that we can overcome anything,” said De Goede.
Sophie de Goede
The match, which kept the fans on the edge of their seats, saw Canada dominate from the first minutes, using aerial strategies and impressive speed of play. Pelletier, with his ability to create space, was fundamental in the Canadian attack.
De Goede’s performance, both in attack and defense, was sublime. Her ability to score and her leadership on the field make her an exceptional player.Coach Rouet expressed his satisfaction and his focus on the next challenge: “I told the girls to stop crying because we have work to do in eight days. That’s the mentality.”
Alysha Corrigan, from the Canadian team, highlighted the team’s motivation: “I think that’s something that fuels our fire. It’s not something new for us, we’re generally seen as the underdogs and we don’t always get the recognition we think we deserve.”
Canada demonstrated its defensive strength, despite New Zealand’s attempts to come back. The absence of Jorja Miller in the opposing team affected their ability to control the game. Despite the efforts of the Black Ferns, Canada maintained its lead and secured its place in the final.Captain Tessier highlighted the team’s game plan: “I was very proud of the girls for the effort. It was high intensity. That was our game plan, to pressure them. We did a good job with that and managed to recover the ball.”
Canada will have an extra day of rest before the final, while waiting for the result of the match between England and France. The Canadian team, which has ceased to be a “dark horse” to become a serious contender, will seek to make history in the final.
“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.”
