CANADA’S Women’s Rugby Team delivered a performance for the ages, defeating defending champions New Zealand 34–19 in the Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate.
The six-time world champions were undefeated in the Women’s World Cup for 11 years, a winning streak that spanned 4,063 days.
The result ends the Black Ferns’ reign as world champions and secures Canada’s first World Cup final appearance since 2014.
It also marks the largest margin of victory ever recorded against New Zealand in men’s or women’s Rugby World Cup history.
First half: Canada seize control
With a raucous crowd of 25,392 in Bristol behind them, Canada wasted no time asserting themselves. Scrum-half Justine Pelletier opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing off a slick move sparked by a chip from Taylor Perry and an offload from Alex Tessier.
Moments later, winger Asia Hogan-Rochester powered past Patricia Maliepo Holmes to cross in the corner. Relentless pressure continued, and Florence Symonds added a third try in the 24th minute after another sharp Tessier pass.
New Zealand briefly hit back through Tanya Kalounivale, but Canada responded instantly. Pelletier turned provider again, offloading to captain Sophie de Goede, who sprinted clear from 20 metres. De Goede converted her own try to give Canada a commanding 24–7 halftime lead.
Second half: Tessier steps up
If the Black Ferns needed a spark after the break, it was Canada who delivered. Tessier produced a moment of brilliance, selling a dummy and slicing through beside the posts in the 43rd minute.
New Zealand rallied with tries from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, narrowing the gap to 31–19, but Canada’s composure never wavered. A late penalty from de Goede stretched the lead beyond reach, sealing a landmark 34–19 victory.
Player of the Match: Justine Pelletier
Pelletier was instrumental, dictating tempo and sparking attack. The Mastercard Player of the Match finished with 12 carries, 91 metres gained, and the crucial opening try.
“It was a lot of tempo,” Pelletier said. “It’s just fun to play rugby, and I think we showed what inspiring rugby can be. A lot of grit, a lot of resilience, a lot of hard work. It’s not just one game, it’s three years of hustle in the dark, and now we’re in the light.”
Tessier praised her side’s unity: “We trusted our processes, we trusted our preparation, and it was confidence from minute one to minute eighty. I’m very proud of the girls, very proud of this team, how far we’ve come, that we trusted each other and came out with the win. I couldn’t ask for a better day.”
Head coach Kevin Rouet applauded his side’s composure: “The first half was exciting. I loved seeing the behaviour from the girls on the field, being calm and composed when times got tough. That’s what I liked most.”
Already looking ahead, he added: “Just after the final whistle, I was starting to think about the next eight days. We came to win a World Cup, and that’s our goal. It won’t be easy, regardless of if it’s England or France. But I’m already excited.”
Canada will face the winner of Saturday’s semifinal between England and France in next weekend’s final at Allianz Stadium in London.
