Canada and New Zealand booked their spots in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals on Saturday with emphatic victories over Australia and South Africa, setting up a blockbuster clash between the world’s No. 2 and No. 3-ranked sides.
Canada dismantled Australia 46–5 in Bristol to reach the last four for the sixth time, while the Black Ferns overcame a bruising challenge from South Africa before pulling away 46–17 in Exeter.
The two sides will now face off next Friday night in Bristol, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Canada 46–5 Australia
Canada produced a dazzling first-half display, running in five tries and having two more disallowed, to build an insurmountable lead against the Wallaroos.
Julia Schell’s early break set up Asia Hogan-Rochester to score in just the second minute. Australia briefly responded through Desiree Miller, but Canada’s pace and precision were too much. Winger Alysha Corrigan crossed twice, prop McKinley Hunt added another, and captain Sophie de Goede capped a commanding performance with a try and involvement in three others.
De Goede, who earned her second player-of-the-match award of the tournament, also stole a lineout in the second half to set up Fabiola Forteza’s score. Veteran Karen Paquin put the exclamation point on the win with a stunning solo effort from 40 meters out, delighting fans as the 38-year-old high school coach glided over for Canada’s final try.
The victory was Canada’s largest-ever margin over Australia and extended their unbeaten record against the Wallaroos.
New Zealand 46–17 South Africa
South Africa, making its first-ever quarterfinal appearance, tested New Zealand physically and impressively held the six-time champions to a 10–10 halftime scoreline. Prop Babalwa Latsha and center Aphiwe Ngwevu powered over for tries in a spirited first half, while scrumhalf Nadine Roos showcased innovation with a surprise lineout catch.
But the Black Ferns responded with trademark flair and accuracy after the break. Stacey Waaka’s restart catch set up Renee Holmes to score within 37 seconds of the second half, sparking a flurry of points.
No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who only weeks ago feared her tournament was over due to injury, was named player of the match after scoring twice. Teen sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee extended her try tally to eight, while Holmes and Katelyn Vaha’akolo also touched down.
Despite three tries and a proud showing, South Africa faded under New Zealand’s relentless pace and precision. Captain Nolusindiso Booi, playing her final test at age 40, was visibly emotional at the final whistle, describing the quarterfinal as “something we had never tasted…the taste was good.”
Looking Ahead
Canada and New Zealand have recent history: Canada beat the Black Ferns for the first time last year and the sides drew 27–27 in May.
“You can’t be overconfident but for sure we are confident,” Canada coach Kevin Rouet said. “This match is going to be a lot of fun,” added Hogan-Rochester.
Meanwhile, the other two semifinalists will be decided Sunday, when England meet Scotland and France take on Ireland.
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