In a stunning turn of events at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Bristol, England, Canada decisively ended New Zealand’s eight-year reign as world champion with a 34-19 victory in the semifinals. The Canadian team surged to a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime and continued their dominance with a try from captain Alex Tessier early in the second half, securing their spot in the World Cup final for only the second time.
Canada’s coach, Kevin Rouet, expressed determination for the upcoming final, emphasizing the need to stay focused on the task at hand. Despite losing to England in their only other final appearance in 2014, Canada’s victory over New Zealand was not entirely unexpected, given their recent success against the Black Ferns.
The match witnessed Canada’s impressive performance in both the forward and back lines, with key players like lock Sophie de Goede and scrum half Justine Pelletier leading the charge. Notably, Canada’s win marked their first-ever victory over the six-time champion New Zealand team, marking a historic moment in the tournament.
New Zealand coach Allan Bunting acknowledged Canada’s accuracy and effectiveness on the field, highlighting the difference in performance between the two teams. With outstanding plays from players like Taylor Perry and Asia Hogan-Rochester, Canada showcased their skill and determination throughout the match.
Despite New Zealand’s efforts to rally back with scores from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Canada’s solid defense and strategic play ultimately secured their victory. The Canadian team’s elation and pride were evident post-game, with star player Sophie de Goede expressing gratitude for their exceptional performance and teamwork that led to this monumental win.
