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Black Ferns' World Cup defence over after capitulation to Canada
Duncan Bech • September 20th, 2025 8:27 am
Black Ferns | Photosport
The Black Ferns' reign as World Cup Champions is over after losing 34-19 to Canada in their semi-final in Bristol on Saturday morning (NZ time).
Canada raced out to a huge early advantage, powering their way to a 24-7 lead at half time.
They scored first after the break to push out to 31-7 before the New Zealanders staged a mini revival, running in two tries to cut their deficit to 12 points.
But a late penalty goal on a night when poor discipline hurt them out the final dagger in their coffin, consigning the Ferns to their first defeat at a World Cup since 2014 and their first in a knockout match in 34 years.
New Zealand will now play the bronze final at Twickenham for the chance to seal third next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Canada are targeting the ultimate prize against fellow semi-finalists England or France at Allianz Stadium next Sunday.
Sir John Kirwan on the missing mana within the All Blacks | Afternoons with Staffy
"We are hungry as people and we came here to win the World Cup," said coach Kevin Rouet.
"We said that if you are not coming to the World Cup to win, then don't come. It won't be easy but I'm already excited. I want to be in the final already.
"The first half was exciting for us and in the second half when it was tough, the girls were calm and composed. Sometimes that's something that's missing in our game.
"I was proud to see the way they played then because it won't be a perfect 80 minutes, but I liked the fact they were relaxed at that time."
Six-time champions New Zealand's run had comprised of 18 consecutive wins, but on this night they ran into opponents who excelled and outplayed them in every department, just as the Canadians had done against Australia's Wallaroos last week.
It was the Black Ferns' eighth semi-final and they had only lost once to Canada in 19 previous encounters, yet they looked like rabbits caught in the headlights as they fell 17-0 down within 24 minutes on their way to a first defeat in the competition for 11 years.
First up, player of the match Justine Pelletier dummied her way over after Alysha Corrigan had made a penetrating run, and then Asia Hogan-Rochester showed her strength to beat full-back Renee Holmes in a one-on-one after taking a long pass.
Conceding two tries in three minutes the Black Ferns were rattled, but worse was to come.
Canada patiently launched a series of forward drives before exploiting a huge overlap for Florence Symonds to touch down.
Stirred into life, New Zealand hit back when Tanya Kalounivale crossed over but the comeback was short lived when Sophie de Goede galloped across the whitewash.
Canada's Sophie de Goede had a tremendous game in Canada's boilover win | Photo: AP
New Zealand needed a reaction as they emerged for the second half but instead cracked for the fifth time when centre Tessier side-stepped her way over.
The game seemed over, but the Black Ferns finally began to look themselves as first Liana Mikaele-Tu'u went over and then Braxton Sorensen-McGee grabbed a crossfield kick by Ruahei Demant to touch down.
But Canada rallied to close out the game.
Captain Tessier insisted Canada, who are semi-professional and needed crowd funding to finance their World Cup campaign, were ready to become global champions.
"We've graduated from underdogs to dark horses. We'll see what's next when we win the title!
"I'm soaking this win in. It was incredible. There was a whirlwind of emotion after the final whistle. I'm super proud of the girls - we trusted each other and came up with the win," said Tessier.
New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting admitted the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow.
"Sport is pretty tough sometimes, it can break your heart," Bunting said.
"I'm gutted for our ladies after all the work that went into this. Lots of love for these ladies - I can't fault their intent and effort.
"We've got lots of family here and there's our country back home, so there's been lots on our shoulders. We need to get around each other and love each other."
Additional reporting by Sport Nation
