Canada and New Zealand will fight to the final whistle this Friday at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol for a chance to be a World Cup finalist.
New Zealand are the reigning World Champions, and will be looking to defend their successive titles, having won in both the 2017 and 2021 tournaments. In fact, New Zealand have the most World Cup titles of any nation, meaning that they are an incredibly dangerous side at this point of the competition.
Although they have never brought home a World Cup trophy, Canada are actually ranked higher than New Zealand currently in the world rankings.
This promises to be an electric match, and truly anyone’s game, as the last time the two nations faced each other back in May it ended in a 27 - 27 draw.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Canada vs. New Zealand starting XV, team news.
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, 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
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
Injured: none
Suspended: none
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, 9 - Pouri-Lane, 1 - Viliko, 2 - Ponsonby, 3 - Kalounivale, 4 - Roos, 5 - Bremner, 6 -Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 - Tukuafu, 8 - Olsen-Baker
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
Injured: none
Suspended: none
Canada vs New Zealand score predictions
It’s sure to be an electric match between the world number two and three, especially with the final looming. It’s either team’s match, but Canada have shown very little weakness in this World Cup, whilst New Zealand can take some time to kick into gear.
Score Prediction: Canada 45 - 42 New Zealand
How to watch Canada vs New Zealand: Live stream, TV channel
All of the Women’s World Cup matches will be broadcast live on the BBC and on England Rugby’s YouTube. Canada versus New Zealand will take place Friday, September 19, at 19:00 GMT.
Rugby news and related content
- World top four teams to compete in Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals
- New Zealand clinches first semi-final spot in Exeter against South Africa
- France qualify for the Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals in electric match against Ireland