As GRR has been saying was a distinct possibility, Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team delivered a performance for the ages, defeating defending champions New Zealand 34–19 in the Rugby World Cup semifinal at Ashton Gate.

The result ends the Black Ferns’ reign as world champions and books 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.

Canada Comes Out Firing

With a raucous crowd of 25,392 in Bristol, 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 kick from Taylor Perry and an offload from Alex Tessier.

Moments later, winger Asia Hogan-Rochester stunned the Black Ferns with a powerful fend on Patricia Maliepo Holmes to cross in the corner. Canada’s relentless pressure continued, and after sustained multi-phase play, Florence Symonds struck in the 24th minute following a sharp pass from Tessier.

New Zealand briefly hit back through Tanya Kalounivale, but Canada answered immediately. Pelletier again played provider, this time offloading to Sophie de Goede, who sprinted clear from 20 meters to score under the posts. The Canadian captain converted her own try to give her side a commanding 24–7 halftime lead.

Tessier Leads From The Front

If the Black Ferns needed an early spark after the break, it was Canada who delivered. Alex Tessier produced a moment of class, throwing 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, cutting the deficit to 31–19, but Canada held their composure. A late penalty goal from de Goede stretched the margin to three scores, sealing a landmark 34–19 victory.

Player of the Match: Justine Pelletier

Pelletier was at the heart of everything, dictating tempo and sparking Canada’s attack. The Mastercard Player of the Match finished with 12 carries, 91 meters gained, and a crucial opening try.

On the team’s performance, Pelletier said: “It was a lot of tempo. It’s just fun to play rugby, and I think we showed what inspiring rugby can be.”

Reflecting on what it took to beat New Zealand, she added: “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. Thank you everyone for their support.”

“We love to play a tempo game,” said Tessier. “It’s a fact now that we have a very fast attack, and it’s across our whole squad of 32... we’ve managed to build some depth since the last World Cup, and I think it’s shown now. We support each other, on and off the pitch. When we connect, it’s beautiful.”