New Zealand v Canada | A look ahead of the semi-final

The Black Ferns, six-time Women’s Rugby World Cup champions, face Canada in the semi-final in Bristol on 19 September 2025.

• New Zealand advanced with a convincing 46-17 win over South Africa in the quarter-final, pulling away after a tight first half.

• Canada powered past Australia 46-5 in their quarter-final, establishing dominance early and never letting go.

This matchup pits New Zealand’s experience and championship pedigree against a Canada side growing ever stronger and full of confidence. Their thrilling 27-27 draw earlier this year in the Pacific Four Series suggests a contest too close to call.

Key Questions

• Can Canada replicate their attacking flair and test New Zealand’s defensive discipline?

• Will New Zealand’s game management and ability to convert pressure into points be the difference?

• Set-piece execution, breakdown work, and handling under pressure will likely decide the outcome.

Recent Results: Last 5 Fixtures

New Zealand

• Won 46-17 vs South Africa (Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarter-final, Sep 13, 2025)

• Won 40-0 vs Ireland (World Cup Pool Stage, Sep 7, 2025)

• Won 54-8 vs Spain (World Cup Pool Stage, Aug 24, 2025)

• Drew 27-27 vs Canada (Pacific Four Series, May 17, 2025)

• Won 79-14 vs USA (Pacific Four Series, May 2025)

Canada

• Won 46-5 vs Australia (Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarter-final, Sep 13, 2025)

• Drew 27-27 vs New Zealand (Pacific Four Series, May 17, 2025)

• Won vs USA (Pacific Four Series, May 2025)

• Won vs Australia (Pacific Four Series, May 2025)

• Lost narrowly in another Pacific Four Series fixture, finishing second overall in the tournament.

Outlook:
Expect a bruising, high-tempo semi-final. New Zealand bring unmatched World Cup pedigree, but Canada’s recent form and fearless approach make this one of the most intriguing clashes of the tournament.