Four Teams, One Dream: The Battle for a Spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final Heats Up
This weekend was a whirlwind of events in the semifinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Every moment from the first whistle had viewers on their toes as the unexpected unleashed. Let’s take a look into how it played out in Bristol.
Semi-final 1: New Zealand vs. Canada
In one of the most electrifying matches in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Canada delivered a spectacular performance to take down defending champions New Zealand 34–19 on Friday night. This win sends Canada into their first final since 2014.
Right from the first whistle, it was clear Canada came to play. Justine Pelletier opened the scoring with a try early in the first half, setting the tone for what was to come. Minutes later, Asia Hogan-Rochester followed suit, racing through a gap in the Black Ferns’ defense to double Canada’s lead.
As the game progressed, Florence Symonds and captain Sophie de Goede joined the try-fest, with de Goede powering over the line just before halftime, then coolly converting her own try. By the time the whistle blew for the break, Canada had a 24-7 lead.
Early in the second half Alex Tessier added Canada’s fifth try. The Black Ferns finally found some rhythm late in the match, with tries from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, but it was too late.
This victory didn’t just knock out New Zealand. It ended their almost decades-long World Cup dominance. The Black Ferns hadn’t lost a World Cup final since 1998 (minus 2014). With this victory, Canada marches on to the final to face England.
Semifinal 2: England vs. France
England delivered a commanding performance to defeat France 35–17 yesterday. The Red Roses’ victory secured them a place in the final and will face Canada. England’s dominance, especially in the second half shows they are a force to be reckoned with.
The standout player of the match was England’s Ellie Kildunne, who scored two brilliant solo tries and proved why she is one of the most dangerous backs in world rugby. Returning from a recent concussion, Kildunne’s pace and timing in attack repeatedly caught the French defense off guard. https://x.com/rugbyworldcup/status/1969434836713509323?s=46
England scored five tries in total, with Amy Cokayne, Abbie Ward, and Meg Jones also adding their names to the scoresheet.
France began to come back in the second but ultimately could not catch up to England. They managed two tries through Nassira Konde and one from Kelly Arbey, but couldn’t convert enough opportunities into points. Handling errors, missed conversions, and England’s pressure in key moments stalled French momentum.
This match continued England’s impressive run; extending their unbeaten streak to 32 tests.
As England head into the final against Canada, they do so as favorites. However, they’ll be aware that sharper execution and a stronger start may be necessary to secure the title. It will be underdog versus top dog and only time will tell if Canada can beat the number one team in the world. The finals for the World Cup will take place Saturday September 27th at 16:00 BST (11:00 AM EST).