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‘We just want to do everyone proud’: Bremner reflects on Black Ferns loss
By Finn Morton at Ashton Gate, Bristol
Ill-discipline and a lack of momentum were the key issues highlighted by the Black Ferns at half-time during their semi-final on Friday, before Canada held on for a commanding 34-19 win to book their spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
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Black Ferns lock Alana Bremner played 61 minutes against a formidable Maple Leafs forward pack, which included goal-kicking second-rower Sophie de Goede. De Goede was among the standouts yet again, but it was a true team performance from all who took the field.
Justine Pelletier opened the scoring in the seventh minute, before winger Aisa Hogan-Rochester and centre Florence Symonds crossed for first-half tries. Tanya Kalounivale hit back for the New Zealanders soon after, before de Goede had the last try-scoring say of the half.
Canada led 24-7 at the break, and captain Alex Tessier extended their lead even further a couple of minutes in the second term. With an impressive crowd watching on at Bristol’s Ashton Gate, the Canadians had extended their lead to 24 points.
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee gave the Black Ferns real hope of a comeback with a try each, but time wasn’t on their side. De Goede kicked a late penalty, the final points of the Test, as the Canadians booked their spot in the World Cup decider.
“I talked about Ruahei Demant, our captain before. She’s incredible. Just her presence off and on the field, and the way she leads so calmly. Some of her kicks were incredible,” Bremner told reporters post-game.
“We came in at half-time and it was hard to fault what was wrong except probably our discipline, it just felt like we had no momentum. We were hoping to come out and get that changed in the second half but we just couldn’t close that gap. Canada was too good.”
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England are looking to claim their 62nd win in 63 matches, as they chase a spot in the World Cup final against the Canadians. Ashton Gate will host the second semi-final on Saturday, with the Red Roses taking on France – a side they haven’t lost to since 2018.
When England and France faced off in the Women’s Six Nations earlier this year, that Test was decided by just a single point. Whoever loses this World Cup semi-final will take on the Black Ferns in a battle for third.
While New Zealand’s quest to win a third Women’s Rugby World Cup title in a row has come to an end, there’s still more rugby to be played at this tournament, and the women in black will be eager to wrap up their campaign on a winning note.
“There’s of a lot of mana in this jersey and a huge legacy that’s gone beyond just this team now. We just want to do everyone proud that’s put into this,” Bremner explained.
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“We have an incredible management team, we have an incredible squad back home that weren’t able to be here.
“We’re going to pour everything into it for our last week.”