(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Can Canada End New Zealand’s Reign in Women’s World Cup Semi-Final?
After a breakthrough win over the Black Ferns last year, Canada enter Friday night’s semi-final with renewed belief that they can end New Zealand’s reign as six-time world champions.
Canada’s Rise
Under Kevin Rouet, Canada has evolved into a smart, athletic, and highly competitive side. Last May in Christchurch, they secured their first-ever victory over New Zealand and came within seconds of repeating the feat, only to be held to a 27-all draw by Sylvia Brunt’s last-minute try.
Star lock Sophie de Goede, returning from a serious knee injury, acknowledged the challenge ahead:
“History definitely favours the Black Ferns. They always perform on the big stages. We need to focus on putting in a performance. Each week is different, and every team poses new challenges.”
New Zealand’s Strength
Despite a slower-than-usual start against South Africa, the Black Ferns showed why they remain world champions, pulling away with four tries in 13 minutes after halftime. With stars like Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and rising teen Braxton Sorensen-McGee, New Zealand can exploit any defensive lapses.
However, the absence of rising star Jorja Miller is a blow. Miller has been a standout in tackles and evasion, and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu praised her off-field contributions as invaluable.
The Key Battle
Canada’s strength lies in collective cohesion and tactical agility. Unlike South Africa, Canada prefers to attack wide, moving the ball quickly to stretch the defence. Their mix of Olympic sevens experience and Premiership Rugby exposure has built a squad capable of challenging New Zealand’s dominance.
Rouet highlighted the team’s mindset ahead of the clash:
“You can’t be over-confident, but for sure we are confident. We know what we can do as a team.”
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a high-intensity semi-final in Bristol, where Canada will aim to leverage speed, teamwork, and precision against the experienced and explosive Black Ferns. With history on one side and belief on the other, this promises to be a semi-final spectacular.
