Canada to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final: They defeat New Zealand!

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

Bristol, England – Canada’s women’s rugby team is no longer a surprise. After a resounding victory over New Zealand, the Canadian team is preparing for the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Before the match, Canada’s coach, Kévin Rouet, had stated: “We are Canada, nobody knows us, and we are happy with that!”. However, the four teams that Canada overcame on the road to the semifinals already knew their potential. New Zealand, now also knows it, after a historic 34-19 defeat.

Canada, currently in second place in the world ranking, has demonstrated its superiority by remaining undefeated in three matches against New Zealand. The New Zealand team, winner of six of the last seven World Cups, could not resist the Canadian game, led by figures such as Sophie de Goede and the talented Justine Pelletier.

New Zealand’s defeat not only marked their largest margin of defeat in a World Cup match, but also the most points conceded and the highest number of tries received. This achievement comes after Canada turned to crowdfunding to participate in the World Cup, raising nearly one million Canadian dollars.

“We have defied the odds time and again and that unites us, drives us and fosters in the group the knowledge that we can overcome anything.”

Sophie de Goede

The match at Ashton Gate showed a dominant Canada from the first minutes, with versatile play and impressive reaction speed. Pelletier, with her skill, opened spaces for her teammates and scored the first try.

Canada continued its dominance, scoring four tries in the first half, including one by De Goede. De Goede’s skill, both in attack and defense, has been fundamental to the team’s success. His performance was key in the second half, when Canada scored its fifth try and resisted New Zealand’s attempts to react.

Coach Rouet expressed his satisfaction and motivation for the team ahead of the final. “I told the girls to stop crying because we have a job to do in eight days. That’s the mentality.” Alysha Corrigan, Canadian forward, 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.” Canada’s 34-19 victory was the result of their strength in attack and defense. Despite the presence of outstanding New Zealand players, such as Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Canada maintained control and demonstrated their ability to overcome their rival.

Despite New Zealand’s attempts to come back, Canada held firm and secured their place in the final. Captain Tessier praised the team’s effort and their pressure strategy. “That was our game plan, to put them under pressure. We did a good job and managed to steal the ball.”

Canada, with an extra day of rest, will wait for the winner of the match between England and France to play the final at Twickenham. The team has ceased to be the “dark horse” to become a clear contender for the title.

“I guess we’ve gone from being a ‘dark horse’ to being an ‘underdog’. We’ll see what’s next in that final”.

Sophie de Goede