After a high energy semi-final weekend in Bristol, it is not quite the end of the road for the two losers France and New Zealand, as they now have to regroup before fighting for the third place medal on Saturday, September 27.
The Rugby World Cups, male or female, differ from the football equivalents in this regard, as the two unsuccessful teams get one more shot for glory in the form of a bronze medal - which whilst not the gold that all competing nations dream of, is still an incredibly important achievement.
And this match, which takes place before the gold finals at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, September 27, is set to be just as much as a spectacle as the first place play-offs as both France and New Zealand have had stellar campaigns this World Cup.
France and New Zealand semi final performances
Both France and New Zealand had not suffered a defeat until the semi-finals, both finishing top of their respective pools with a clear lead. However, this was not to be the case this weekend, as both nations were unable to take their winning streak all the way to the final.
New Zealand struggled to get a handle on a fast-tempo, highly aggressive Canadian side, which meant that they were unable to control the ball and the game as they had done in previous matches.
France put in a whole-hearted fight against the world number one’s England, and for the first half it looked like they might come away with the win, dominating possession and offensive attempts. However, they were unable to translate their attempts into real advantage or points, and England’s increased strength in the second half meant that the victory quickly fell out of reach of France.
France vs New Zealand third-place final
This means that the two nations will now face each other for one final World Cup fight in the Allianz Stadium at 12:30pm, as a pre-match before the first place final.
France and Canada last fought each other way back in 2024, when the Black Ferns emerged with a 39 - 14 victory. However, the time before that in 2023, France won 18 - 17, so either country could lift the bronze medal come Saturday.
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