Canada delivered a “fairytale” and “seismic” upset by defeating six-time world champions New Zealand 34-19 in the semi-final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. The match took place on Friday, September 15, 2025, at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, England, in front of a crowd of 24,392 spectators. This victory secured Canada a spot in the World Cup final for only the second time in their history, sending shockwaves through the rugby world and ending New Zealand’s 18-game World Cup unbeaten streak with their biggest ever losing margin in World Cup play.

From the outset, Canada set a blistering pace that New Zealand could not match. Just 10 minutes into the match, Canada led 12-0 with tries from Justine Pelletier and winger Asia Hogan-Rochester. Another try by Florence Symonds before the 25-minute mark extended the lead and put the storied New Zealand Black Ferns on the back foot. Though New Zealand fought back with a try from prop Tanya Kalounivale, Canadian second-row Sophie de Goede powered through for a try under the posts, establishing a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime. De Goede added the conversion and later secured the final score with a crucial penalty kick.

Canada captain Alex Tessier scored early in the second half, intensifying the pressure on New Zealand. Although New Zealand rallied with tries from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the deficit was too great to overcome. Canada’s disciplined defense and impactful attacking play kept the Black Ferns at bay, culminating in a remarkable 34-19 win, a result described by observers as “masterful” and “seismic” in its significance.

The victory not only shocked fans but also marks a turning point for women’s rugby on the world stage. Canada’s rise to the final underlines their evolution into a rugby powerhouse, challenging the dominance of traditional giants like New Zealand. Rugby experts hailed the win as a testament to Canada’s preparation, skill, and strategic prowess. Sophie de Goede, whose efforts were pivotal, stated after the match, “We believed in ourselves from the start, and today we showed the world what Canadian rugby is capable of.” New Zealand coach acknowledged Canada’s performance, noting, “They played with incredible intensity and determination—we were under pressure the entire game”.

The real-life impact of this result is extensive: it energizes Canadian rugby participation and viewership, inspires younger players, and elevates the profile of women’s sports nationally and globally. Fans and analysts now eagerly anticipate Canada’s performance in the upcoming final, where they will face a formidable opponent, reflecting a promising chapter in Rugby World Cup history.

In summary, Canada’s victory over New Zealand at Ashton Gate is a landmark upset that reshapes expectations heading into the Women’s Rugby World Cup final. It celebrates a breakthrough moment for the sport, illustrating the growing competitiveness and global reach of women’s rugby. For readers and rugby enthusiasts, the next step is to watch how Canada harnesses this momentum in the final showdown while continuing to inspire the next generation of athletes.