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Canada book Black Ferns semi-final: Four takeaways from Canada v Australia
By Finn Morton at Ashton Gate, Bristol
Canada will face New Zealand for a spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final, after they defeated Australia 46-5 at Bristol’s Ashton Gate. More than 16,500 fans watched as the Canadians scored seven tries, running away with a comprehensive quarter-final win.
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Asia Hogan-Rochester opened the scoring inside the first minute, but the Wallaroos showed some fight as Desiree Miller flew down the left sideline to level the scores soon after. But Canada took control shortly after, piling on the points before the half-time break.
Alysha Corrigan scored a double to extend Canada’s lead, while Sophie de Goede and McKinley Hunt also crossed for a try each. The Canadians took a 31-5 lead into the break, before Fabiola Forteza and Karen Paquin make their mark on the scoreboard during the second half.
With the Black Ferns defeating the Springbok Women 46-17 earlier on Saturday, the first semi-final matchup of this World Cup is locked in. Canada are searching for their first-ever World Cup crown, while the New Zealanders are chasing a record seventh title.
Canada look more like the real deal
Canada went through pool play with a perfect 3-0 record. They beat Fiji, Wales and Scotland to take the top seed into the quarter-finals, which extended their unbeaten run in 2025 further before facing a valiant Australian outfit.
While Canada’s 40-19 win over the Scots in Exeter was particularly impressive, there were still some questions that needed to be answered about the team ranked second on the world rankings, with a high error count a concerning talking point.
As noted by RugbyPass’ Joe Harvey, the Canadians conceded 24 penalties in those three Tests and they gave the ball away 64 times. But the quarter-finals presented them with an opportunity to put the past behind them by making a knockout rugby statement.
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Desiree Miller scored Australia’s first try in the sixth minute, but it was one-way traffic from there during the first half. Canada looked almost unfazed at times as they piled on attacking pressure – keeping the ball alive, and making it look effortless in the process.
DaLeaka Menin and Sophie de Goede clocked in with the most carries out of any player by half-time, while Courtney O’Donnell was second – a huge shift from the second row duo. De Goede was particularly impressive, with a couple of memorable carries near the ruck and a try.
Julia Schell had her best performance of the World Cup since scoring six tries in Canada’s first win over the tournament against Fijiana. Asia Hogan-Rochester and Alysha Corrigan were also flying on their respective wings.
Canada looked more like the real deal during this win over Australia. Ahead of next weekend’s clash against defending World Cup champions New Zealand, it really seems that the semi-final showdown could go either way.
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Jo Yapp’s Wallaroos tenure was still a promising success
Jo Yapp’s final two Tests with Australia will go down in the history books as defeats. They lost to England at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium last weekend, and the Canadians ran away with a comfortable result in Bristol.
When the full-time whistle sounded at Ashton Gate, and in the minutes that followed, you could see just how disappointed the Aussies were with this quarter-final defeat, but the scoreboard doesn’t always tell the full story.
This Wallaroos side has come a long way under coach Yapp. Their growth over the last two years puts them in good standing moving forward, with a Women’s Rugby World Cup on Australian soil only four years away.
There were similar points to reflect on after the Wallaroos faced the Red Roses in Brighton. They lost their first three matches under Yapp, but had grown into a side that led England until the 31st minute in their pool stage battle.
Australia showed tremendous signs of promise against the world’s top-ranked side in women’s rugby and they had world number two Canada up next. Canada struck first, but the Aussies stayed in the contest, with Desiree Miller racing down the left wing for the score.
Kaitlan Leaney was arguably Australia’s most consistent forward throughout the World Cup on both sides of the ball, Siokapesi Palu has developed into an even more inspirational skipper, and the back three of Miller, Caitlyn Halse and Maya Stewart is one of the world’s best.
While it wasn’t Australia’s day in the end, there are plenty of positives to look back on as Japp’s era with the team draws to a close. This is not the same Wallaroos side from one year ago, and certainly not the same Wallaroos side from 2023.
De Goede is the form player in women’s rugby
Sophie de Goede has been nothing short of incredible for Canada at this Rugby World Cup. After suffering an ACL injury last June, de Goede worked hard to return, playing just six matches before facing Australia in a quarter-final.
De Goede received Player of the Match honours during Canada’s winning run in pool play, and the goal-kicking second-row was prolific once again on Saturday. Whether you want to focus on attack, defence, the set-piece or taking shots at goal, de Goede was everywhere.
By the time de Goede was replaced with about 15 minutes left to play, the lock had registered three linebreaks, which was more than any other player. De Goede also had the second-most number of carries with 14, and more than 80 running metres.
As Canada took control during the first term, de Goede was a clear standout. The 26-year-old had two memorable carries upfield, benefiting from short-ball running lines near the ruck, which saw the lock race down the field for a significant total of metres carried.
While the TMO had to intervene for the try to be awarded, de Goede crossed for Canada’s third five-pointer of the contest after the ball was knocked backwards by a teammate. It was only fitting to see the Saracens forward step up and nail the conversion.
With four successful shots at goal, and the third-most tackles out of any player, it was another memorable performance from de Goede. If Canada are going to win this World Cup, keep an eye out for de Goede as a player to watch.
Knockout
11 - 12
Final
6 - 44
SF1
15 - 16
SF2
17 - 29
QF1
24 - 28
QF2
30 - 24
QF3
28 - 29
QF4
Kaitlan Leaney is one of the best locks in women’s rugby
Kaitlan Leaney was Australia’s most consistent performer throughout this World Cup. Desiree Miller, Samantha Wood and Piper Duck also deserve honourable mentions, and 18-year-old Caitlyn Halse was also superb during the pool stage in particular.
But Leaney really was a shining light at times. Without any doubt, Leaney is one of the top five locks in the international women’s game, and there’s definitely a conversation to be had about whether the Australian is even higher among the elite.
Let’s start at the end and work backwards. Leaney finished in double digits for tackles made and the second-rower was also reliable at the set-piece. Leaney was able to do some damage with brave carries in what was generally another clinical performance.
Inside the first two minutes, Leaney stood out with some work in a maul – the type of stuff that can sometimes go unnoticed. The 24-year-old swan through the maul and so nearly secured a turnover, only for Canada to spread the ball just in time.
Leaney did the same thing against the USA at York Community Stadium, fighting through a maul to secure what was ultimately a tournament-defining turnover – if the USA had held onto possession and scored, the Eagles would’ve taken a big step towards the quarters.
Along with the likes of Michaela Leonard and Piper Duck, Leaney was able to help the Wallaroos forwards lay down a marker in that match. It was a similar story against England last weekend, and the same can be said for Australia’s opening-round win over Samoa.
Leaney worked tirelessly right up until the final whistle. After co-captaining the Wallaroos in the team’s first two matches at the World Cup, Leaney will continue to play a key role in this squad in the years ahead.