For anyone who might be thinking champions New Zealand are a shoo-in too make the Rugby World Cup final, Canada have three key attributes to suggest they can knock out the Black Ferns in their semi-final on Friday evening: belief, fast ruck speed and Sophie de Goede.
Canada are the world No 2 side and came close to beating England at the 2024 WXV 1, yet have gone under the radar in the buildup to this tournament and during its early stages, with much of the attention focused on the potential for a rematch of the 2022 final between New Zealand and hosts England. against the Black Ferns in the last four at Ashton gate, Canada will still be viewed as underdogs in some circles, something the team have spoken about a lot, according to the wing Alysha Corrigan.
“It is something that isn’t new for us, we are usually seen as that underdog and not always getting that recognition we think we deserve,” says Corrigan. “I think that is something that fuels our fire.”
The self-belief is understandable, stemming from recent results between the semi-final opponents. Canada beat New Zealand for the first time at the 2024 Pacific Four tournament and the last time the two teams met at the 2025 Pac Four they drew 27-27.
“The first time we beat them that pushed us, it gave us a huge boost of confidence,” says Canada’s captain, Alex Tessier. “Drawing against them confirmed where we are at, that we have been growing. We have grown after each game.”
‘The first time we beat them that pushed us, it gave us a huge boost of confidence.’ The Canada captain Alex Tessier says her side have the self-belief to beat New Zealand. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA
For their part, the champions are wary; the most-capped Black Fern in history, the former scrum-half, Kendra Cocksedge, highlighed Kévin Rouet’s team as one to cause them problems.
“I beleive they are our bogey team at the moment to be honest.” Cocksedge says.”As soon as you beat the black jersey your tail’s up and you give them confidence.They are playing with that, they are ones we seriously need to consider.”
An element of Canada’s game which could unlock their opponent’s impressive defence is their fast ruck speed. They had t
Canada and New Zealand Set to Clash in Rugby World Cup Semi-Final
Canada and New Zealand are poised for a thrilling semi-final clash in the Rugby World Cup, promising a high-stakes encounter between a rising force and a historical powerhouse. Despite Canada’s recent successes, New Zealand’s pedigree – having won a record six World Cups – makes them a formidable opponent.
New Zealand has suffered a setback with an injury to Jorja Miller, but still boasts significant attacking threats. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe currently leads the World Cup in try-scoring,while Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the tournament’s current top points and try-scorer. https://www.world.rugby/
Canada’s recent record against New Zealand has been strong, but historically, they faced a long losing streak, with their first victory coming after 17 consecutive defeats. This highlights the challenge they face despite their current form.
regardless of which team advances, the match is expected to be a standout game, possibly one of the best in world Cup history, pitting a dominant force against a team rapidly gaining prominence.