Canada see off defending champions New Zealand
Canada are the first team to progress to the final of Rugby World Cup 2025 after beating New Zealand 34-19 in Bristol on Friday. The Canadians were quick out the blocks, and had a 17-0 lead within the first 25 minutes.
The Black Ferns did try fight back, but there was ultimately too much for them to do, and they will contest the third-place playoff against the side that loses Saturday's second semi-final.
It was a victory that came from discipline in defence, with Canada not conceding a penalty until the 61st minute of the match. An incredible feat!
"The defensive focus was huge this week," inspirational second-row Sophie de Goede said. "Our attack has been firing all tournament so we put trust in our ability to fire in attack, but we knew we needed to do a big job on defence, keeping getting out and putting pressure on them and I think that's why you saw that result."
A new era ahead?
The defeat means New Zealand will not have a chance to bid for a third consecutive title. The Black Ferns had only previously lost one semi-final prior to Friday, a defeat by USA at Rugby World Cup 1991. Since then, in every tournament they have competed in bar 2014, they have made the final and won it.
However, rather than dwell on what her side had lost out on, New Zealand captain Kennedy Tukuafu highlighted what it means for the overall game to see so many teams in contention for the title at this tournament and how the women's game will keep growing from here.
"I think how far the women's game has come, it's pretty special to be part of this legacy, to see how big this tournament's been, the biggest there's ever been, so we can be proud of contributing to that," she said.
Who will meet Canada?
Well, we have one finalist confirmed, but who will they play?
The second semi-final sees France take on England in the same stadium at 15:30 BST later today. The Red Roses came through the pool stage unscathed, having beaten USA, Australia and Samoa, after which they were comfortable victors over Scotland in the quarter-finals.
France also had an unbeaten pool-stage campaign, recording victories over Italy, Brazil and South Africa. However, their quarter-final was far from regulation, having to fight back from 13-0 down to beat Ireland 18-13 thanks to a late length-of-the-field try.
Who will hold their nerves and book their spot in the big dance? Here's all you need to know ahead of our second semi-final.
Late change for France
France have not had the ideal preparation for the game, with winger Joanna Grisez ruled out of the match though injury and Kelly Arbey coming in as a late replacement.
"We made the call to pull Joanna Grisez, who felt some muscle tightness in her thigh earlier this week," said France assistant coach David Ortiz. "We tried to manage her and build her up, but it didn’t work out."
While Arbey is an able replacement, having played all 80 minutes of every one of France's games aside from the victory over Brazil, Ashton Gate with the Red Roses fans in full voice will be a real test for the 20-year-old in such a huge fixture.
Did you know?
England are the top-ranked team in the world, while France are fourth. The two teams met in the last round of the Six Nations in April, with England coming out with a one-point win after a thriller at Allianz Stadium.
However, over the course of history, England have performed far better at Rugby World Cups than France. The Red Roses have made it to the final of each edition of the tournament bar one (1998), whereas France have never been to the final. Les Bleues have lost eight semi-finals in history - will that change later today?
