Canada managed to come away with a resounding victory over the Black Ferns in the first semi-final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, meaning that they are through to their first World Cup final since 2014.
The Maple Leafs dominated the first twenty minutes, with New Zealand scrabbling to keep up with their incessant attack. The one time that the Black Ferns were able to make it close to the Canadian try line after a great break from Olsen-Baker, they were unable to outsmart the Canadian defence who quickly kicked the ball out of danger.
The Black Ferns were able to add some points to their score after an opportune break from Ponsonby, but they were visibly shaken from their trailing score, as they ultimately continually failed to convert their time inside of Canada’s half into any meaningful attack.
However, New Zealand had a stronger second half, managing to stem Canada’s flow a bit more effectively, and had some great moments of attack when they were recognisable as the defending World Champions, like their try in the 55th minute off the back of a lineout by Mikaele-Tu'u.
Despite this, the Black Ferns struggled with sloppy hands on several counts throughout the 80 minutes by the Black Ferns, which stopped any momentum they were beginning to form in its track.
The lead that Canada had established for themselves in the first half set them in good stead to maintain an easy lead throughout, and Justine Pelletier was awarded a well-deserved Player of the Match.
New Zealand fought until the very end with a last ditch attempt to make it into Canada’s 22, but it was ultimately not enough.
The full time whistle ended the game with a final score of Canada 34 - 17 New Zealand, meaning that Canada have not only booked their spot in a World Cup final for the first time since 2014, but done so by defeating the defending two time World Champions.
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New Zealand vs. Canada score
| Score | Tries (conversion) | Penalties | |
| New Zealand | 19 | Kalounivale 25' (Holmes), Mikaele-Tu'u 55' (Sorensen-McGee), Sorensen-McGee 64' | |
| Canada | 34 | Pelletier 7' (De Goede), Hogan-Rochester 10', Symonds '23, De Goede '34 (De Goede), Tessier 43' (De Goede) | De Goede 73' |
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol (UK)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
Starting XVs:
New Zealand: 15. Holmes, 14. Sorensen-McGee, 13. Waaka, 12. Brunt, 11. Woodman-Wycliffe, 10. Demant, 9. Pouri-Lane; 1. Viliko, 2. Ponsonby, 3. Kalounivale, 4. Roos, 5. Bremner, 6. Mikaele-Tu'u, 7. Tukuafu, 8. Olsen-Baker
Canada: 15. Schell, 14. Corrigan, 13. Symonds, 12. Tessier, 11. Hogan-Rochester, 10. Perry, 9. Pelletier; 1. Hunt, 2. Tuttosi, 3. Menin, 4. De Goede, 5. O’Donnell, 6. Crossley, 7. Paquin, 8. Forteza
MORE: Full schedule, bracket, results from Women's Rugby World Cup
New Zealand vs. Canada live updates, highlights, and commentary
17:30 - With 90 minutes to go until kick-off, Ashton Gate is filling up as black and red shirts flock in, and the girls get a roaring welcome as their coaches pull up to the venue.
18:30 - 30 minutes until the action gets going. The two nations warm up in front of a vibrant, rapidly growing crowd.
19:01 - After the Black Ferns perform their pre-match Haka, led by Ayesha Leti-Iiga, the whistle goes. The first semi-final of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 is officially underway.
7': Try! Canada get the first points of the semi-final after captain Alex Tessier claims the ball midair before feeding it to Pelletier to score. De Goede converts. A strong start from the Maple Leafs.
10': The game has barely reset before Canada score again, this time by Hogan-Rochester.
23': After a few attempts, Canada feed the ball left for Symonds to sprint over the line and claim Canada's third try of the match, increasing their lead to 17. No conversion for De Goede again as the ball hits the posts.
25': New Zealand won't give up a spot in the final that easily, and finally hit back with a try of their own from Kalounivale after Ponsonby makes a great break through the Canadian defence. Holmes converts.
34': Canada's golden girl De Goede slides under the posts and then converts to earn the Maple Leafs another 7 points.
42': Canada start the second half as they mean to go on - with another try and conversion from captain Tessier and De Goede.
44': Kalounivale is replaced by Rule for the Black Ferns.
49': Holmes comes off for Leti-Iiga in another New Zealand substitution.
50': Canada makes subs of their own as O'Donnell comes off for Beukeboom.
55': Tukuafu is substituted with Sae for New Zealand.
56': The Black Ferns turn it on for their second try by Mikaele-Tu'u, bringing the score to 31 - 14.
61': New Zealand are in their most dangerous position so far in the match, with possession mostly in their hands over the last ten minutes - but the Canadian defence are so good, not showing any cracks for the Black Ferns to exploit.
64': New Zealand's tenacity pays off with a try from young superstar Sorensen-McGee.
72': Canada drive across the line, but the Black Ferns successfully hold them up - no try. The Maple Leafs still manage to gain some points with a penalty kick by De Goede.
76': Justine Pelletier is announced as the MasterCard Player of the Match.
82': The full time whistle blows with the final score being Canada 34 - 19 New Zealand, meaning that the current World Champions are out of the competition, and Canada progress to their first World Cup final since 2014.
New Zealand vs. Canada kick off time
The semifinal match kicks off in Bristol, UK at 7 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA/Canada | Fri, Sep. 19 | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| USA/Canada | Fri, Sep. 19 | 11:00 a.m. PT |
| UK | Fri, Sep. 19 | 7:00 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sat, Sep. 20 | 4:00 a.m. AEST |
New Zealand vs. Canada lineups, team news
Reigning world champions New Zealand will be looking to defend their title for the third time in a row, bringing out their most established and impressive Black Ferns tomorrow night.
Portia Woodman-Wycliffe, the highest try-scorer in Women’s World Cup history, is at left wing, with young superstar Braxton Sorensen-McGee taking up position on the right.
Sylvia Brunt has worked her way into the starting XV after not making the cut for the quarter-finals, replacing Theresa Setefano who is on the bench.
Maiakawanakualani Roos and Chelsea Bremner are bringing out their lock pair once more, a well-oiled machine coupled with flankers Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kennedy Tukuafa.
Adding to the occasion, co-captain Ruahei Demant will also be celebrating her 50th cap at flyhalf.
New Zealand starting XV: 15. Holmes, 14. Sorensen-McGee, 13. Waaka, 12. Brunt, 11. Woodman-Wycliffe, 10. Demant (c), 9. Pouri-Lane; 1. Viliko, 2. Ponsonby, 3. Kalounivale, 4. Roos, 5. A. Bremner, 6. Mikaele-Tu'u, 7. Tukuafu (c), 8. Olsen-Baker
Replacements: 16. Lolohea, 17. Henwood, 18. Rule, 19. C. Brenmer, 20. Sae, 21. Joseph, 22. Setefano, 23. Leti-Iiga
Full New Zealand squad
Forwards: Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Vici-Rose Green, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisini Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Georgia Ponsonby, Maiakawanakualani Roos, Amy Rule, Layla Sae, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kennedy Tukuafu, Chryss Viliko
Backs: Kelly Brazier, Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant, Amy du Plessis, Iritana Hohaia, Renee Holmes, Maia Joseph, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Risi Pouri-Lane, Theresa Setefano, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Stacey Waaka, Portia Woodman-Wycliffe
Canada, undefeated thus far in the competition and ranked higher than New Zealand in the world rankings, will be out for blood this evening as the prospect of their first ever World Cup trophy becomes more and more reachable.
Julia Schell, the top try scorer of the entire tournament, is a familiar sight taking up the rear at fullback after being a key game driver for Canada throughout their campaign.
All of the try scorers from the quarterfinal against Australia are reappearing in the starting lineup for this match, as Alysha Corrigan, McKinley Hunt, Fabiola Forteza, Karen Paquin and Asia Hogan-Rochester all feature.
Canadian rugby royalty Sophie de Goede is also back at number four, with her golden boot and ability to effortlessly shift around the pitch and positions.
Canada starting XV: 15. Schell, 14. Corrigan, 13. Symonds, 12. Tessier (c), 11. Hogan-Rochester, 10. Perry, 9. Pelletier; 1. Hunt, 2. Tuttosi, 3. Menin, 4. De Goede, 5. O’Donnell, 6. Crossley, 7. Paquin, 8. Forteza
Replacements: 16. Boag, 17. Kassil, 18. DeMerchant, 19. Beukeboom, 20. Royer, 21. Senft, 22. Apps, 23. Seumanutafa
Full Canada squad
Forwards: Tyson Beukeboom, Gillian Boag, Caroline Crossley, Sophie de Goede, Olivia DeMerchant, Fabiola Forteza, McKinley Hunt, Brittany Kassil, Taylor McKnight, DaLeaka Menin, Maya Montiel, Mikiela Nelson, Courtney O’Donnell, Julia Omokhuale, Karen Paquin, Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft, Rachel Smith, Emily Tuttosi
Backs: Olivia Apps, Fancy Bermudez, Alysha Corrigan, Paige Farries, Claire Gallagher, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Sarah Maude-Lachance, Justine Pelletier, Taylor Perry, Julia Schell, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Florence Symonds, Alex Tessier
Where to watch Women's Rugby World Cup
USA
Free-to-air channel: CBS, CBS Sports Network
Live stream: Fubo, Paramount+
The New Zealand vs. Canada match from the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup can be streamed on Fubo and Paramount+. The game will be available on CBS and CBS Sports Network in the United States.
Canada
Free-to-air channel: TSN 1, TSN 3
Live stream: Amazon Prime via TSN+
The New Zealand vs. Canada match from the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup can be streamed on Amazon Prime via TSN+. The game will be available on TSN 1 and TSN 3 in Canada.