RWC2025 | Canada head coach Kevin Rouet, captain Alex Tessier and Mastercard Player of the Match Justine Pelletier react to their win over New Zealand
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Canada head coach Kevin Rouet, captain Alex Tessier and Mastercard Player of the Match Justine Pelletier react to their win over New Zealand in their Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-final at Ashton Gate Stadium on Friday.
Kevin Rouet, head coach
On Canada's great, disciplined performance:
"Defensively it was good rugby and offensively in the first half when we scored a lot of tries, it was good to see. I need to review the game. I'm already lost."
On how pleased he is about the performance:
"I'm excited already. I said to the girls to stop crying because we have a job to do in eight days. That's the mindset. We need to finish the job and be ready in eight days."
On having the team to win the Rugby World Cup:
"I felt it already one and a half years ago that we could do something and I am happy we are one game away from achieving what we want. I am excited for next weekend. I want it to be next weekend now."
Alex Tessier, captain
On whether Canada can play any better:
"No. That's exactly where we are supposed to be. That was the goal, one step at a time. Now we will focus on the final next weekend."
On the defensive performance:
"I was pretty proud of the girls for the effort. It was high intensity. That was our game plan, to put them under pressure. We did a good job on that and we managed to turn the ball over."
On going all the way in the tournament:
"That's the plan. We still believe. We are going to be ready for next weekend, we are super excited, that was a huge boost in confidence today and we are going to be ready for next Saturday."
Justine Pelletier, Mastercard Player of the Match
On their super form:
"That was crazy, a lot of tempo and a lot of rugby. It's fun to play rugby and we showed what can be inspiring rugby."
On what it took to beat the Black Ferns:
"A lot of grit, a lot of resilience, a lot of hard work. It's not just hard work, it's three years of hard work and hustle. Thanks to everyone for their support."
On whether she would prefer to play France or England in the final:
"We'll take whoever. We want the best rugby so may the next winner be our next opponent."
