Tukuafu on Canada semi-final: ‘Show them a new style of Black Ferns rugby’

New Zealand co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu is ready to show Canada “a new style of Black Ferns rugby” when the two sides meet in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals, with the winner set to face either England or France for the top prize.

Canada haven’t lost to New Zealand since 2023, when the Black Ferns claimed a one-sided 52-12 win on July 8. That result is an anomaly in the last three meetings between the sides, with Canada winning one and drawing another over the last 16 months.

Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium was the host venue for one of the most famous victories in Canada’s rugby history. The Maple Leafs defeated the Black Ferns for the first time in New Zealand during the 2024 Pacific Four Series, and almost repeated those heroics this year.

Vermeulen explains the importance of Jasper Wiese in the team

Vermeulen explains the importance of Jasper Wiese in the team

Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt crashed over for a match-levelling score in the final play of a thriller between the sides on May 17. Canada were held to a 27-all draw, with the New Zealanders going on to claim the Pac Four title after beating the USA 79-14.

Stacey Waaka issued a warning on Tuesday ahead of the semi-final showdown at Bristol’s Ashton Gate, with the two-time Rugby World Cup winner believing Canada haven’t “played the best version of the Black Ferns” – and Tukuafu has since hinted at the growth of the side.

“They’re a quality side, they’re innovative and they’re really connected, they’ve played a lot of rugby together,” Tukuafu told reporters in Bristol.

“We’re just excited for the weekend to show them a new style of Black Ferns rugby.”

In the Black Ferns side to face Canada, the selection of co-captain Ruahei Demant at first five-eighth is a historic moment for the team. Demant will become just the third Black Fern to reach the 50-Test mark, joining Kendra Cocksedge and Fiao’o Fa’amausili in that club.

Demant debuted for the Black Ferns in 2018 against Australia, before becoming team captain ahead of the home Rugby World Cup in 2022. The playmaker was among the standouts in that tournament, receiving Player of the Final honours after the win over England at Eden Park.

Black Ferns Sevens captain Risi Pouri-Lane returns to the matchday 23, partnering Demant in the halves. Maia Joseph drops to the bench, while Theresa Setefano and Ayesha Leti-I’iga provide cover for other backline positions.

“Ruahei is an exceptional human. She leads our team with so much pride, she’s powerful in her words. Nothing changes for her, she’s going to go out there and do her job,” Tukuafu said.

“She’s going to lead our team as she does and 50 games is an amazing milestone, but I know that she’d say ‘It’s just another game’. She’s been amazing for our group, especially this week.”

Director of Performance Allan Bunting has named a strong side for the knockout clash, although the absence of HSBC SVNS Series star Jorja Miller was a big talking point on Wednesday. Tukuafu has replaced Miller in the starting side at openside flanker.

Tukuafu joins Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and 14-Test No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the loose forwards. On the bench, Layla Sae will look to make a difference off the pine, joining other forwards like Amy Rule and Chelsea Bremner in the reserves.

“[Miller is] an incredible person, but she’s also done a lot for the team off-field, she does a lot for me. I go to her if I need help and she’s an incredible player,” Tukuafu explained.

“We haven’t felt her presence leave for once and she continues to serve the team in a different way. We all know that she’s going to do everything she needs to do.”