Canada to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final: Surprise and Historic Success

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

In an exciting night in Bristol, Canada demonstrated its prowess by defeating New Zealand with a score of 34-19, securing its place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The Canadian team, once considered a “surprise team”, has proven to be a serious contender for the title.

Before the match, Canada coach Kévin Rouet had joked about his team’s anonymity. However, Canada’s four previous victories in the tournament made it clear that their strengths were no secret. New Zealand, the team that has dominated the tournament with six titles in the last seven editions, now also knows the Canadian power.

The match was a display of Canada’s prowess, which dominated New Zealand from the start. Playing multifaceted rugby, utilizing aerial play and dominating the breakdown with astonishing speed, Canada surprised the Black Ferns. Justine Pelletier, with her ability to create space and her speed, was key in the Canadian attack.

The final score of 34-19 reflects Canada’s superiority. It was New Zealand’s biggest defeat in a World Cup match, and the most points they have conceded in the tournament. Canada scored five tries, matching the most allowed by New Zealand in the tournament. Canada’s success is even more remarkable considering that the team had to resort to crowdfunding to participate in the World Cup. The campaign “Mission: Win the 2025 Rugby World Cup” raised almost a million Canadian dollars, which provided them with the platform to shine.

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

Sophie de Goede

In the match, Canada’s star player, Sophie de Goede, proved her worth once again. De Goede, known for her ability to score points, her skill at the breakdown, and her speed in attack, was fundamental in Canada’s victory.

Canada will now face the winner of the match between England and France in the final next Saturday at Twickenham.

Coach Rouet expressed his satisfaction and stated that the team is focused on the work ahead. Player Alysha Corrigan highlighted how the team feels motivated by being considered “the underdogs”. Canada’s victory, with a final score of 34-19, not only highlights their attack, but also their solid defense. Despite New Zealand’s attempts to come back, Canada remained firm. Captain Tessier praised the team’s effort and their strategy to pressure their opponent. With an extra day of rest, Canada will await their opponent in the final, knowing they are no longer the “surprise team”.

“I think we’ve gone from being the dark horse to being the underdog,” De Goede said. “We’ll see what happens in the final.”

Sophie de Goede