By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Canada delivered one of the greatest performances in their history to dethrone New Zealand and book their place in the Rugby World Cup final. Few doubted they had the talent to trouble the reigning champions, but the manner of their 36-24 victory left even seasoned observers stunned.
Kévin Rouet’s side played with pace, precision and belief, overwhelming the Black Ferns in front of a near-capacity crowd at Ashton Gate. It is only the second time Canada have reached the showpiece final, where they will face England or France next Saturday at Twickenham.
This semi-final was billed as a potential classic, and Canada ensured it will be remembered for generations. Their captain Sophie de Goede was imperious once more, bossing breakdowns, landing crucial kicks, and slicing through defenders. Her leadership embodied a squad whose trust in one another freed them to attack with abandon.
“This team arrived calm, not stressed by the event and not stressed by playing the Black Ferns,” said Rouet afterwards. “That confidence is a gamechanger. I like what I see in this team, and I am confident we will show the same in the final.”
Fast start leaves New Zealand rattled
Canada wasted no time in stamping their authority. Justine Pelletier, later named player of the match, darted through for the opening try after Alex Tessier’s clever chip. Asia Hogan-Rochester soon added a second, before Florence Symonds finished off a relentless multi-phase move.
New Zealand, stunned to find themselves three tries down, briefly rallied through Tanya Kalounivale, but mistakes and injuries blunted their momentum. The absence of Jorja Miller proved decisive, with Canada punishing every lapse. De Goede herself crossed before half-time to extend the lead.
Black Ferns’ fightback falls short
After the break Tessier claimed another score for Canada, and though the Black Ferns mounted resistance with tries from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, De Goede’s nerveless penalty killed hopes of a comeback.
For New Zealand, the defeat was historic. It was their first World Cup loss since 2013, and the first time in over a decade they will not contest the final. Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu admitted she was “gutted”, while performance director Allan Bunting reflected: “Sport can be brutal. It breaks your heart sometimes.”
Canada eye history
Canada entered this tournament as semi-professional underdogs, funding much of their preparation through crowdfunding. They leave Ashton Gate as World Cup finalists, and with the belief they can go one better.
England may start favourites if they reach Twickenham, but Canada have already shown they can tear up the script. After outplaying the Black Ferns, Rouet’s squad will walk into the final with conviction that history is within their grasp.