As the excitement for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 builds, the semi-final clash between the reigning champions New Zealand and the formidable Canada is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the tournament. While many may regard New Zealand as the favorites based on their storied history and previous triumphs, Canada brings a combination of belief, tactical prowess, and an emerging star player that could disrupt the status quo.
Canada: The Underdog With Momentum
Despite being ranked as the world No. 2 team and coming off a successful run at the 2024 WXV 1 tournament, Canada has flown under the radar leading up to this World Cup. Many pundits have drawn the narrative of a potential rematch between New Zealand and England, overlooking the skills and strategies that Canada has honed in recent years. They’ve demonstrated they can compete with the best, narrowly losing to England and delivering impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Alysha Corrigan, a key player for Canada, highlights how being perceived as the underdog has fueled their determination. "It is something that isn’t new for us," she said. "We are usually seen as that underdog and not always getting that recognition we think we deserve… It fuels our fire." This mentality of proving detractors wrong, combined with their recent successes against the Black Ferns, particularly their win in the 2024 Pacific Four tournament and a thrilling 27-27 draw in their most recent encounter, provides Canada with a valuable psychological edge.
Attributes of a Resilient Team
Three main factors can empower Canada to challenge New Zealand effectively:
Belief and Mental Resilience:
The self-assurance that arises from their recent matches against New Zealand is unparalleled. Captain Alex Tessier encapsulates this confidence: “The first time we beat them that pushed us, it gave us a huge boost of confidence.” This belief is crucial; overcoming a perceived mental block can have immense benefits in high-stakes games.Rapid Ruck Speed:
Canada boasts one of the fastest ruck speeds in the tournament, a trait that can create significant opportunities against New Zealand’s defense. Their last pool match demonstrated this, with 79% of their rucks executed in less than three seconds against Scotland. Maintaining this tempo is vital, as even the slightest hesitation from the opposition can lead to scoring opportunities. With an impressive tally of 30 tries across four matches, Canada’s efficiency in attack cannot be underestimated.- Sophie de Goede: A Game-Changer:
The return of Sophie de Goede could not come at a better time. Her statistics highlight her impact on the game: she’s scored two tries, been successful on 17 conversions, and effectively completed 47 tackles in just eight games post-injury. Head coach Kévin Rouet aptly describes her as the “cherry on the cake.” A strong showing from De Goede will be pivotal if Canada hopes to upset New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Countermoves
Conversely, New Zealand is a powerhouse with a rich legacy in women’s rugby, having won six World Cups. With players like Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, the highest try-scorer in World Cup history, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the current tournament’s top points and try-scorer, they possess an arsenal that can change the game in an instant. Although they face adversity with key injuries, their depth and experience are unmatched.
Kendra Cocksedge, the most-capped Black Fern in history, recognizes the challenge posed by Canada: “I believe they are our bogey team at the moment,” she stated. This acknowledgment underscores the respect that New Zealand has for their opponents, alongside the recognition that Canada’s recent success against them could instill confidence in the Canadian players.
The Stakes are High
It’s not just about the match; it’s about the ramifications that follow. The winner of this semi-final advances to the final, where they will face either England or a dark horse team. The narrative of giants versus rising forces adds another layer of intrigue to a contest that already promises to be a spectacle.
Historically, New Zealand has been dominant, winning 17 consecutive matches before their recent encounters. However, Canada’s recent record and their rising belief create a dangerous scenario for the Black Ferns. The dynamic of the game is likely to hinge on Canada’s ability to maintain their ruck speed, exploit any defensive lapses, and leverage their psychological edge derived from recent triumphs.
Conclusion: An Anticipated Clash
The semi-final between New Zealand and Canada isn’t just another match; it represents the clash of a traditional rugby powerhouse against a resilient and evolving competitor. As both teams prepare to face off, fans can expect a thrilling display of speed, strategy, and determination—elements that are renowned in rugby, particularly in the context of a World Cup.
For New Zealand, the task will be to overcome their vulnerabilities and seize control of the match, exploiting their extensive experience and tactical acumen. For Canada, it will be a chance to prove that they are indeed a serious contender on the world stage—an opportunity to confirm their burgeoning status in women’s rugby and perhaps take a decisive step toward their own narrative of triumph.
As the clock counts down to kick-off, the excitement of what’s to come hangs thick in the air. This semi-final has all the hallmarks of a rugby classic, where legends can be made and hearts can be broken. No matter the outcome, it’s clear that women’s rugby is on an upward trajectory, promising to deliver thrill and drama for years to come.
