Canada's De Goede named to start for World Cup semi-final repeat

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, Sophie de Goede, has been handed a starting role in a replay of Canada‘s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final win against New Zealand.

Last year at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Canada beat the Black Ferns 34-19 in a thrilling final four match-up to claim a place in the Allianz Stadium finale.

It was the clash of the tournament at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium and ended New Zealand’s aim of becoming world champions for the third time in a row.

For the Pacific Four Series encounter at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, head coach Kévin Rouet has made several alterations to the team that beat Australia 24-0 in torrid Sacramento conditions.

De Goede’s inclusion at lock to partner Laetitia Royer is the first. The Player of the Year’s inclusion means that Pamphinette Buisa is dropped to the bench and Julia Omokhuale moves to the back-row.

There is also an instant return to the starting team for Alexandra Tessier. After she missed the opening round with injury, the Exeter Chiefs back captains the team from inside centre.

Tessier’s inclusion sees Claire Gallagher move to full-back and Chloe Daniels is named as a replacement.

Six days on from her debut, Aurora Bowie keeps a starting spot on the wing. Having made their own Test match debuts in California, Kiki Idowu and Corinne Fréchette maintain their spots as ‘finishers’.

Kévin Rouet, Canada Women head coach, said: “For many reasons the game against New Zealand at the last world cup was a lot of fun, it was a big moment for our team and for rugby in Canada.

“We respect the history of the Black Ferns and the success they have sustained for decades and that’s why it’s important for us to continue to showcase that Canada can also be a strong rugby country and that what we have built is sustainable.”

Canada squad v New Zealand

1. Brittany Kassil
2. Emily Tuttosi
3. DaLeaka Menin
4. Sophie de Goede
5. Laetitia Royer
6. Gabrielle Senft
7. Julia Omokhuale
8. Fabiola Forteza
9. Justine Pelletier
10. Taylor Perry
11. Aurora Bowie
12. Alexandra Tessier (C)
13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa
14. Asia Hogan-Rochester
15. Claire Gallagher

Finishers
16. Kiki Idowu
17. Maya Montiel
18. Cassandra Tuffnail
19. Rachel Smith
20. Pamphinette Buisa
21. Lizzie Gibson (Uncapped)
22. Corinne Frechette
23. Chloe Daniels