Canada produced a stunning performance to beat New Zealand and reach the Women's World Cup final with a 34-19 victory, inflicting a first defeat in the tournament on the double defending champions since 2014.
Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds, and Sophie de Goede crossed in the first half for the dominant Canadians and Alex Tessier added another try after the break.
Six-times champions New Zealand produced a spirited fightback after the restart but could not prevent the Canadians reaching their second World Cup final after losing to England 11 years ago.
Canada will play the winner of the second semi-final between England and France in decider at Twickenham next Saturday.
Follow all of the latest from Ashton Gate with our live blog below
New Zealand vs Canada live
- FULL TIME! Canada stun New Zealand to reach World Cup final in major upset
- Canada will play England or France in World Cup final at Twickenham next week
- 73' PENALTY! Sophie de Goede kicks Canada to the verge of huge upset [NZL 14-34 CAN]
- 54' TRY! Black Ferns respond as Mikaele-Tu’u gets champions back in it [NZL 14-31 CAN]
- 42' TRY! Canada extend lead through Tessier straight after the restart [NZL 7-31 CAN]
- HALF TIME! Brilliant Canada take 17-point lead into the break as Sophie de Goede extends lead
- 26' TRY! New Zealand respond through Kalounivale after third Canada score [NZL 7-17 CAN]
- 12' TRY! Canada make dream start with two tries in opening 12 minutes [NZL 0-12 CAN]
Supreme Canada dethrone New Zealand in World Cup performance for the ages
21:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe old saying goes that the hand that wields the knife does not wear the crown but this fabulous Canada team could yet prove the adage wrong.
This was a most brilliant dethroning of the defending champions, the six-time World Cup-winning Black Ferns played off the park by a collective effort that may, in time, stand up to scrutiny as perhaps the finest in tournament history.
A side for which a single silver sits as their landmark World Cup achievement may yet glitter with gold.
Supreme Canada dethrone New Zealand in World Cup performance for the ages
'We’ve got one job left'
21:13 , Jamie BraidwoodThe incredible Sophie de Goede reacts to Canada’s win:
“We’ve got one more game to go. We haven’t done it yet.
“But so much relief and pride. We have so much respect for the Black Ferns.
“Six-time world champions. We knew it would take an incredible performance.
“Our tag-line is belief. It runs so deep. We have defied the odds and that can propel you forward.
“We can overcome anything. The defensive focus was huge this week. We put trust in our attack.
“We’ve got one job left. The dream we all had is to win the World Cup. We’re going to do everything we can to make you all proud back home.”
'Three years of work in the dark and now we are in the light'
20:59 , Jamie BraidwoodCanada’s Justine Pelletier, the player of the match:
“That was crazy!
“We showed what we can be.
“A lot of grit, resilience, hard work. It’s not just one game. It’s three years of hustle in the dark and now we are in the light.
“We will take whoever.”
A historic moment for Canada
20:56 , Jamie BraidwoodCanada’s team had to crowd-fund their way to the World Cup, raising $1m to support their quest for gold.
They are now a match away from doing just that after pulling off the biggest result in their history against New Zealand.
Canada had lost their first 17 matches against New Zealand - but the power dynamics in women’s rugby has shifted.
Canada will play England or France in World Cup final
20:55 , Jamie BraidwoodIf England are to beat France and return to the World Cup final, they will not have to play New Zealand at Twickenham. There will be no repeat.
Canada stun New Zealand
20:53 , Jamie BraidwoodThere are tears and hugs as the Canada players sprint towards each other and fall into celebration!
New Zealand are stunned! Their reign is over.
FULL TIME! New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:52 , Jamie BraidwoodFULL TIME! Canada have done it! They have beaten New Zealand for just the second time and dump the Black Ferns out of the World Cup, a tournament they have dominated in recent years! Canada are back in the World Cup final and will play either France or England at Twickenham! Canada win! And by 15 points! Astonishing.
New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:51 , Jamie Braidwood80+2 mins: Into two minutes of stoppage time. New Zealand are not giving up...
New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:48 , Jamie Braidwood79 mins: Into the final minute. New Zealand are playing for pride.
New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:47 , Jamie Braidwood79 mins: Maia Joseph’s pass is read by Sophie de Goede, who bursts forward!Can Canada finish with a try? No! De Goede is caught but that has almost certainly won them the match. Canada have the ball back and inside the New Zealand half.
New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:43 , Jamie Braidwood76 mins: Canada concede just their second penalty of the match and there is a stoppage as Canada’s Caroline Crossley receives treatment - which would be a worry ahead of next weekend’s final.
Justine Pelletier is named player of the match. She got the scoring started and was inspired for Canada, particularly the assist for De Goede before half time.
New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:39 , Jamie Braidwood74 mins: That could be it! New Zealand’s long unbeaten run at the World Cup could be minutes away from crashing to an end in the semi-finals!
PENALTY! New Zealand 19-34 Canada
20:39 , Jamie Braidwood73 mins: What will Canada do here? They’re going to add to their lead. This would leave New Zealand requiring 15 points and three scores.
Sophie de Goede puts it straight through!
New Zealand 19-31 Canada
20:37 , Jamie Braidwood72 mins: Canada have the advantage...
But Laetitia Royer is held up!
New Zealand 19-31 Canada
20:36 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: Penalty to Canada! That’s just what they want as New Zealand looked to carry the ball out from their half. Ill-discipline from New Zealand at the break down.
Canada kick for the corner.
Another would surely be it.
Can Canada hold on?
20:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateCanada have completely lost their flow, the Black Ferns finally adjusting and using the boot to flip the territorial battle. One more Canada score would surely kill it - it is not in their nature to play overly conservatively, as we just saw with that break from Asia Hogan-Rochester down the left.
New Zealand 19-31 Canada
20:33 , Jamie Braidwood67 mins; New Zealand need to be faultless from here but there’s another costly spill in the middle of the pitch, giving Canada the scrum and the chance to run some seconds down.
It’s been all New Zealand for the last 20 minutes or so.
New Zealand 19-31 Canada
20:31 , Jamie Braidwood65 mins: Wide from Sorensen-McGee, the 18-year-old who is making quite the splash at this tournament.
Oof. It’s 11 points for New Zealand to chase with 15 minutes to go.
We’re set for a thrilling conclusion in Bristol.
TRY! New Zealand 19-31 Canada (Sorensen-McGee 64')
20:29 , Jamie Braidwood64 mins: Advantage to New Zealand! They are up to 16 phases, just two metres out.
But that’s wonderful! Ruahei Demant flights the crossfield kick to Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who still has work to do but she bursts past Hogan-Rochester to touch down in the corner!
It’s a tough kick though...
New Zealand 14-31 Canada
20:27 , Jamie Braidwood61 mins: That looked to be a certain try as the scrum-half Risi Pouri-Lane flew towards the line! But the ball is forced from her grasp, as Olivia Apps, just freshly on the pitch, rips it free.
New Zealand 14-31 Canada
20:25 , Jamie Braidwood60 mins: It’s taken an hour, but Canada finally concede their first penalty, inside the 22.
New Zealand discuss what to do. They need three scores, but elect to go for the scrum.
The pressure is building.
New Zealand 14-31 Canada
20:21 , Jamie Braidwood58 mins: I think both sides have sensed a potential momentum shift. Justine Pelletier crunches into the collision with Sylvia Brunt, but New Zealand gain some ground with the kicking game.
TRY! New Zealand 14-31 Canada (Mikaele-Tu’u 54')
20:20 , Jamie BraidwoodNew Zealand get it! Liana Mikaele-Tu’u strikes from the line-out, with New Zealand working the ball from left to right and Mikaele-Tu’u finishing under the posts.
Sorensen-McGee adds the extra points.
Is that the start of a comeback?
New Zealand 7-31 Canada
20:19 , Jamie BraidwoodBrilliant from Stacey Waaka to lead New Zealand out from their half, as Braxton Sorensen-McGee picks up the charge. Ruahei Demant finds a brilliant low grubber kick, which forces Julia Schell to concede the line-out five metres out.
New Zelaand are pushing for the try.
New Zealand 7-31 Canada
20:17 , Jamie Braidwood54 mins: At last, New Zealand find a way to stop Canada from the line-out. A penalty turned into the chance to add a sixth try from the corner, but New Zealand stand up to the rolling maul.
There are big celebrations but they remain five metres from their own try-line and still have a bit points deficit to overcome.
Canada go to their bench
20:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateThis Canadian effort will have taken plenty out of their forwards; fortunately for Kevin Rouet, he has six more high-quality options to bring on. The imposing Tyson Beukeboom has just lumbered on to the pitch, Canada’s most capped male or female player a useful option at this stage. Off goes Courtney O’Donnell, who is not as flashy as second row partner Sophie de Goede but has been ust as excellent tonight in getting through a mountain of unseen work.
New Zealand can’t get out of their own way - that’s a couple of little incidents off the ball for which they have now been penalised. Remarkable.
New Zealand 7-31 Canada
20:14 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: It’s getting a bit scrappy as New Zealand look to build some pressure. But there’s no give. Canada are standing strong and continue to draw the errors. New Zealand need to be perfect from here but Canada are not allowing them to be.
New Zealand 7-31 Canada
20:12 , Jamie Braidwood50 mins: Ayesha Leti-I’iga replaces Renee Holmes for New Zealand. They need some magic, and some of her scoring powers.
New Zealand 7-31 Canada
20:09 , Jamie Braidwood47 mins: New Zealand attempt to rebuild from the rubble. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Georgia Ponsonby make carries but Canada are not giving up any ground.
New Zealand do work it wide to Braxton Sorensen-McGee but Canada track back and force Alana Bremner into the handling error, with the ball spilling out into touch.
Canada have yet to lose a lineout.
Canada assert advantage
20:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateThis is faintly astonishing. New Zealand simply have never been so thoroughly outplayed as this at a World Cup, Canada better in every area and barely having made a mistake. There is almost a stunned silence around Ashton Gate at times - New Zealand need a moment of magic, you feel, tor even have a hope.
New Zealand 7-31 Canada
20:06 , Jamie Braidwood46 mins: Sophie de Goede adds the extra points. New Zealand needed the start to the second half that Canada have made. Relentless.
TRY! New Zealand 7-31 Canada (Tessie 42')
20:05 , Jamie BraidwoodUNBELIEVABLE! Canada win the line-out and march back into New Zealand territory! A brilliant carry from Asia Hogan-Rochester is worked inside to Alexandra Tessier, and that’s a fifth try of the semi-final.
New Zealand are being dismantled.
New Zealand 7-24 Canada
20:02 , Jamie Braidwood41 mins: What a message of intent from Canada. DaLeaka Menin rips the ball away and Canada are immediately on the attack again, five metres out.
But Zealand are spared by the knock-on. They have a scrum right and boot into touch.
KICK-OFF! New Zealand 7-24 Canada
20:00 , Jamie BraidwoodNew Zealand require an almighty comeback in Bristol, particularly because of how Canada have been playing.
Back underway.
Canada in control - but will be wary of New Zealand adjusting
19:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateThe Black Ferns squad gathered in a huddle on the pitch for an extended discussion at the end of that half, Ruahei Demant, Kennedy Tukuafu and their other leaders delivering a few key messages. New Zealand have been played off the park, really, so far, one excellent score from Stacey Waaka’s reclaimed restart all they have to show from a half that Canada controlled.
The Black Ferns have a habit of finding a way at World Cups but this has been a supremely well-coached Canadian performance - zero penalties conceded is a stat that sums up a super smart showing, particularly defensively.
HALF TIME! New Zealand 7-24 Canada
19:48 , Jamie BraidwoodCanada take no chances and Alexandra Tessier kicks the ball out despite them having the ball inside the New Zealand half.
But wow that was a sumptuous, dominant half from Canada. They have been the superior side, scoring four tries against the defending champions!
New Zealand require a 17-point comeback if they are to keep their unbeaten run alive.
New Zealand 7-24 Canada
19:46 , Jamie BraidwoodThere’s another knock-on from New Zealand, this time from Kaipo Olsen-Baker.
It gives Canada a final opportunity as we tick into the red. They get another penalty too.
New Zealand 7-24 Canada
19:44 , Jamie Braidwood38 mins: Justine Pelletier is looking menacing again before half time and Canada sniff the chance for a fifth try of a brilliant half.
Hogan-Rochester gets the ball in hand but keeps it alive. DaLeaka Menin picks up the charge, but it then comes back for a knock-on. New Zealand have the penalty and will want to just get into half time.
TRY! New Zealand 7-24 Canada (Sophie de Goede 35')
19:40 , Jamie BraidwoodWHAT A TRY THIS IS FOR CANADA! The off-load comes from the ground and the improvisation of Justine Pelletier, who pops it up for Sophie de Goede to run onto and carry over the line!
De Goede adds the conversion. She does it all! But that was genius from Pelletier.
And look at that scoreline! A 21-point lead before half time.
New Zealand 7-17 Canada
19:38 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: A few handling errors adding up on both sides. Canada’s Asia Hogan-Rochester is forced out of play on the wing.
New Zealand 7-17 Canada
19:36 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: New Zealand have woken up! Kaipo Olsen-Baker carries through the middle and there looks to be an avenue out on the wing. But the pass goes forward and out of play.
New Zealand 7-17 Canada
19:32 , Jamie Braidwood27 mins: Holmes adds the conversion and New Zealand’s tails are up straight away from kick-off.
TRY! New Zealand 5-17 Canada (Kalounivale 26')
19:31 , Jamie Braidwood26 mins: New Zealand strike back! The starting kick-off is collected brilliantly on the wing by Stacey Waaka, with the hooker Georgia Ponsonby making the crucial breakthrough towards the line.
New Zealand power over the line, with Tanya Kalounivale carrying over. New Zealand were not going to give up without a fight.
TRY! New Zealand 0-17 Canada (Symonds 24')
19:28 , Jamie BraidwoodCanada fight for the line! The pick-and-go game is in full flow but New Zealand stand strong on the try-line.
But after 14 phases, Canada find the space out wide and spot Florence Symonds open! How about this! A third try without reply!
De Goede’s attempt at the conversion strikes the post.
New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:26 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: Canada get the advantage and look to strike again! But Julia Schell is swallowed up as she looked to find Hogan-Rochester to her left.
It will go back to Canada, and the kick goes straight into the corner, five metres out.
New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:24 , Jamie Braidwood20 mins: Canada’s Sophie de Goede wins the turnover on the halfway line, giving her side the chance to kick towards the corner and get that lineout working again.
New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:22 , Jamie Braidwood18 mins: It’s been a relentless start from Canada.
A pause comes as Chryss Viliko receives some treatment, which gives New Zealand a chance to regroup as they start again from the scrum.
Scrum contest could be fascinating
19:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateCanada do usually count on their scrum strength, but this will be a big test of loosehead McKinley Hunt particularly. The prop is a relatively recent convert from lock, with Saracens and Canada looking to make use of her size and capacity as a ball carrier a row further forward - Tanya Kalounivale, New Zealand’s mightily powerful tighthead, will surely try and get after her.
New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:20 , Jamie Braidwood17 mins: The handling errors are mounting from New Zealand. The kick clear is not the best either.
The Canada full-back Julia Schell puts her head down and goes on a sensational run into New Zealand territory, bringing Canada back into their opponent’s half.
New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:17 , Jamie Braidwood14 mins: Chance for New Zealand as Kaipo Olsen-Baker makes the interception inside the Canada half, but they won’t work the ball wide and it comes back for a Canada scrum.
Canada thump clear and there’s a mix-up among the New Zealand backs!
New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:14 , Jamie Braidwood12 mins: Sophie de Goede missed the first conversion in front of the posts but drags wide from the touchline.
Canada 12-0 up! It’s been a dominant start.
TRY! New Zealand 0-12 Canada
19:12 , Jamie BraidwoodWOW! Canada strike again! They win the line-out and put together a sweeping move from right to left. There’s a gorgeous long pass that finds Asia Hogan-Rochester, who touches down in the corner! Sensational from Canada!
A sharp start from Canada
19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Ashton GateCanada have made a clear attempt to get after New Zealand’s fringe defence in these opening skirmishes, plenty of pick and goes from their forward around the corner and scrum half Justine Pelletier popping up to her heavy carriers on the shoulder with regularity. That was really smart identification of space from wing Alysha Corrigan for that try, roaming off her wing to zip away from a breakdown and capitalise on the space apparent - with Pelletier’s dummy and dart to the line pretty neat, too.
New Zealand 0-7 Canada
19:11 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: The conversion is added in front of the posts.
Sophie de Goede knocks it over.
TRY! New Zealand 0-5 Canada (Justine Pelletier)
19:10 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: Canada work the advantage perfectly! They knew they could take a risk with the high ball and it causes chaos. Canada recover the ball and Pelletier is there to receive the off-load before shimmying and crossing the line! What a start from Canada.
New Zealand 0-0 Canada
19:09 , Jamie Braidwood6 mins: A mistake from the New Zealand full-back Renee Holmes as she boots the ball straight into touch from the scrum, giving Canada a line-out and some promising territory.
New Zealand are on the back foot and Canada have the advantage.
New Zealand 0-0 Canada
19:07 , Jamie Braidwood4 mins: Canada win the scrum and work it wide right to Alysha Corrigan. There looked to be some space for the winger but New Zealand recover.
Another scrum now, this time for New Zealand.
New Zealand 0-0 Canada
19:05 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: That was a big hit from Fabiola Forteza on Waaka. We get the first scrum of the semi-final as Alana Bremner is ruled to have knocked on.
Justine Pelletier is not able to feed the ball in at the first attempt and the scrum is reset.
New Zealand 0-0 Canada
19:03 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: There’s an early spill as Canada looked to build the phases through contact. Canada recover and drive Stacey Waaka back as she looked to build up some momentum.
KICK-OFF! New Zealand 0-0 Canada
19:02 , Jamie Braidwood1 min: Underway in Bristol! New Zealand kick us off and DaLeaka Menin makes the first charge as Canada look to build some ground.
New Zealand vs Canada
18:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo melodic renditions of the anthems delivered by the sides, before New Zealand move into formation for the Haka. The Black Ferns were practicing the traditional pre-match challenge at their captain’s run yesterday, making sure they had the move forward into two banks of bodies all synced up; Canada do their part, too, faces of stone as they stare the opponents down, arms locked together in embrace.
New Zealand vs Canada
18:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe stands are filling quickly here at Ashton Gate, plenty of fans still busying the concourse bars and eateries in the half-an-hour before kick off but making their way to their seats now. It won’t be quite at a sellout, I understand, but World Rugby are optimistic of a strong crowd.
Out the players come, Canada in white, New Zealand (of course) in black.
New Zealand vs Canada
18:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor those wondering, should it end up level after 80 minutes tonight, the two side will progress to a period of sudden-death extra time, with the first team to score any points declared the winner. Should the two ten-minute halves both end without score, there will then be a kicking competition - but let’s hope we don’t have to worry about that....
Match officials
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron in charge tonight, a potential final referee perhaps now unlikely for that role having been given this appointment. Barrett-Theron endured an eventful day at the office during (and after) last week’s quarter-final between France and Ireland, doing a commendable job of controlling a tricky game to officiate despite some high profile moments. The experienced South African should be a good whistler for a high-tempo game.
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SA)
AR: Aurélie Groizeleau (Fra) & Ella Goldsmith (Aus)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SA)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Sophie de Goede set to star again?
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is very little that Sophie de Goede can’t do on a rugby pitch, a lineout leader, supreme carrier and deadeye kicker so integral to the way Canada play. Head coach Kevin Rouet has worked hard to ensure that De Goede’s carries are maximised, with the collective buy-in and “no numbers on shirts approach” ensuring that everyone pitches in at rucks and keeps some of their best athletes on their feet to strike at any time.
Goalkicking could be particularly important today, though, if it is as tight as we are anticipating. With De Goede absent as she worked her way back from her torn ACL, Julia Schell missed four of her five conversion attempts in the pair’s 27-all draw earlier this year - a couple of accurate strikes from the lock’s booming right boot could prove the difference.
New Zealand without Jorja Miller
18:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand have refused to confirm either the severity or nature of the injury to Jorja Miller, an approach they have also taken with lock Laura Bayfield, similarly out of the 23. Miller was moving relatively freely at the captain’s run at Ashton Gate yesterday, although without overly exerting herself - are the Black Ferns just playing coy with a possible final in mind, not wishing to give too much away about their rising star flanker?
Kennedy Tukuafu is a very fine replacement on which to call. Assistant coach Tony Christie made mention yesterday of how good the co-captain has been off the bench at this tournament, and highlighted the importance that she will have at the breakdown - Canada’s speed of ball has been a key theme of their success at this tournament and finding a way to disrupt their ruck will be vital.
Team news - Canada
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleCanada coach Kevin Rouet has made no changes to the side that beat Australia in their quarter-final, again loading up with six forward replacements on the bench in a sign of his side’s strength in that regard. Like the Black Ferns, there are plenty of sevens converts in the ranks - five of the 23 won Olympic silver behind New Zealand at Paris 2024.
Canada XV: 1 McKinley Hunt, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 3 DaLeaka Menin; 4 Sophie de Goede, 5 Courtney O'Donnell; 6 Caroline Crossley, 7 Karen Paquin, 8 Fabiola Forteza; 9 Justine Pelletier, 10 Taylor Perry; 11 Asia Hogan-Rochester, 12 Alexandra Tessier (capt.), 13 Florence Symonds, 14 Alysha Corrigan; 15 Julia Schell.
Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Olivia DeMerchant, 19 Tyson Beukeboom, 20 Laetitia Royer, 21 Gabrielle Senft; 22 Olivia Apps, 23 Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
Meet the @RugbyCanada squad aiming to lead their nation into the #RWC2025 final 🇨🇦#NZLvCAN pic.twitter.com/1bEQOxytLC
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 17, 2025
Team news - New Zealand
18:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand are without rising star Jorja Miller, with the flanker ruled out of the semi-final through injury. Sylvia Brunt does return from a concussion, though, forming a midfield partnership with Stacey Waaka, while Risi Pouri-Lane partners 50th capper Ruahei Demant in the halves.
Prop Tanya Kalounivale is brought back into the starting front row, and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu offers a highly-quality option on the openside in Miller’s absence.
New Zealand XV: 1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 3 Tanya Kalounivale; 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5 Alana Bremner; 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt.), 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker; 9 Risi Pouri-Lane, 10 Ruahei Demant (co-capt.); 11 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 13 Stacey Waaka, 14 Braxton Sorensen-McGee; 15 Renee Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Kate Henwood, 18 Amy Rule, 19 Chelsea Bremner, 20 Layla Sae; 21 Maia Joseph, 22 Theresa Setefano, 23 Ayesha Leti-I’iga.
80 minutes between the @BlackFerns and their third consecutive final 🇳🇿 #RWC2025 | #NZLvCAN pic.twitter.com/flgtgoztBq
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 17, 2025
New Zealand vs Canada
18:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a balmy night in Bristol, the temperature in the high teens even with the sun starting to set - which will please New Zealand, who expressed their frustration over the British weather yesterday. There’s a real buzzy feel around Ashton Gate, plenty of Canada and New Zealand shirts in among the locals.
Canada eye World Cup success - with special support from home
17:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was plenty of excitement in Canada camp this week with the team receiving a good luck message from Shania Twain, the not-easily-impressed Queen of Country Pop getting behind her compatriots along with plenty more Canucks. A Friday night BST kick off will not necessarily friendly for those who have to work back home but Kevin Rouet’s squad have felt their support swell throughout this campaign.
That is important given this remains a semi-professional squad who had to crowdfund up to £540,000 to bolster their preparation for this tournament.
“The work is almost already done, our exposure is great,” scrum half Justine Pelletier said yesterday. “Right now, people in Canada are very excited about this World Cup. I’ve never seen Canada as excited as that for a rugby tournament. But we want more, we always want more and we’re going to reach for it. We deserve that. We deserve that visibility."
World Rugby revamps international calendar after record-breaking Women’s World Cup
17:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was intriguing to hear World Rugby unveil its plans for the future of the international game last night, a revamped WXV Global Series seeing the governing body cede a degree of control over the schedule to the top 12 unions as they look to sustain the growth shown at this World Cup. It is hoped that certainty of fixtures on offer will encourage unions to invest in the lead-up to the next tournament in Australia in 2029.
World Rugby revamp international calendar after record-breaking Women’s World Cup
Scotland and Australia’s parting words show the rocky landscape beyond the Women’s World Cup
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll be back to the build-up to this first semi-final in a moment, but the parting messages of Scotland and Australia last week served as a reminder of the challenging landscape in which women’s rugby continues to operate. Both Rachel Malcolm and Siokapesi Palu, the captains of the two nations, used their final press conferences of the tournament to call for more investment from their unions with the future rather uncertain for both:
Scotland and Australia’s parting words show rocky landscape beyond World Cup
The super-strengths and superstar that make Canada World Cup contenders
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleCanada, meanwhile, were outstanding in the first half of their outing against Australia - with Sophie de Goede back to her almost peerless best:
The super-strengths and superstar that make Canada World Cup contenders
How New Zealand reached the last four
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere were, perhaps, a few signs of weakness in New Zealand’s quarter-final win over South Africa, the Springboks Women’s heavy ball retention strategy and unorthodox tactics causing the Black Ferns plenty of problems in the first half. But the second half surge showed just how dangerous the world champions are:
New Zealand survive scare against South Africa to progress to World Cup semi-finals
How Canada can end New Zealand’s reign in Women’s World Cup semi-final spectacular
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand tend to get things right for World Cups, the Black Ferns making a habit of peaking for the major tournament they have won six times before. But there is genuine belief in the Canadian ranks that they can end their defence tonight - and with good reason, too...
How Canada can upset New Zealand in Women’s World Cup semi-final spectacular
New Zealand vs Canada live
08:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s semi-final weekend at the Women’s World Cup, two cracking contests in store as rivalries reignite on the sport’s biggest stage. It could be a wild weekend in Bristol, and we kick off with defending champions New Zealand taking on a Canadian side that beat the Black Ferns for the first time last year. Both teams have promised to play with pace and leave everything out there - this could be very fun indeed.
Kick off at Ashton Gate is at 7pm BST.
