Australia and Canada will fight it out at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol this evening in an effort to clinch a semi-final spot for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Canada finished top of their Pool B, after beating Scotland, Fiji and Wales convincingly.
After a tense weekend trying to beat the USA on points difference to bag the final quarterfinal place, Australia put up a huge performance against England to successfully move to the knockouts, despite losing 47 - 7.
The pair last met recently in May 2025, where Canada came away with a 45 - 7 win. In fact, the Maple Leafs have won in their last five encounters with the Wallaroos.
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
Australia vs. Canada starting XV, team news.
The Wallaroos finished second in their Pool A, after managing to beat the USA on point difference. Although they still suffered a significant defeat against England last game 47 - 7, they were able to not only control the game but lead it for the first thirty minutes, which will give them confidence that they’ll be able to do the same against the world number twos.
The Australian starting XV has maintained much of its structure from the group rounds, with try scorers Caitlyn Halse and Desiree Miller taking up position in fullback and inside centre.
Sam Wood, who the Wallaroos usually rely on for her precise kicking, is also back, alongside Emily Chancellor and Piper Duck.
However, the Australian forwards combinations have changed quite a lot, with Lydia Kavoa, Adiana Talakaiand Asoiva Karpani making up the front row in a switch from the XV who faced the USA last week.
Australia starting XV:
15 - Halse, 14 - Steward, 13 - Friedrichs, 12 - Smith, 11 - Miller, 10 - Moleka, 9 - Wood 1 - Kavoa, 2 - Talakai, 3 - Karpani, 4 - Leaney, 5 - Leonard, 6 - Duck, 7 - Chancellor, 8 - Palu (c)
Full Australia squad
Forwards: Katalina Amosa, Bree-Anna Browne, Annabelle Codey, Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck, Ashley Fernandez, Brianna Hoy, Asoiva Karpani, Lydia Kavoa, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Ashley Marsters, Tania Naden, Bridie O'Gorman, Siokapesi Palu (captain), Faliki Pohiva, Adiana Talakai, Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
Backs: Lori Cramer, Waiaria Ellis, Georgina Friedrichs, Caitlyn Halse, Tia Hinds, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Manu'a Moleka, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Caitlin Urwin, Samantha Wood
Injured: none
Suspended: none
The world number two’s will be out for blood this evening, as they come into the knockout rounds being undeafeated thus far in the competition.
However, Australia will be the highest ranked team that they have faced thus far.
Fabiola Forteza has moved to number 8 for this game, with Caroline Crossley and Karen Paquincompleting the back row.
Julia Schell, who has scored the most tries in the tournament of any nation, is back at full back, with captain and lock Sophie de Goede also in the starting XV with her barn storming carries and powerful boot.
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
Australia vs Canada score predictions
South Africa will be hard pressed to beat the reigning World Champions, who will be just as determined to get to the next stage.
Score Prediction: Australia 14 - 40 Canada
How to watch Australia vs Canada: 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. Australia versus Canada will take place Saturday, September 13, at 16:00 GMT.
Rugby news and related content
- Women's Rugby World Cup schedule, bracket: Updated quarterfinal fixtures, pool results from England
- LIVE: Canada vs. Australia score, result: live coverage, highlights and more for Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
- When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup final? Date, time of 2025 showpiece at Twickenham