Canada continued their sensational run at the Women's Rugby World Cup as they stunned defending champions New Zealand 34-19 to book their place in the final. 

It will be just Canada's second appearance in the showpiece match at the tournament, having lost the 2014 edition to England, who they could face again this year. 

England face France in the other semi-final on Saturday, though Canada will be confident of clinching their first world title after ruthlessly dispatching the six-time champions. 

Justine Pelletier went over for Canada in the ninth minute before Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds and Sophie de Goede chipped in with tries of their own. 

Canada led 24-7 at the break, and just three minutes after the restart, further increased their advantage through centre Alex Tessier, all but extinguishing New Zealand's hopes. 

New Zealand won their world title by overhauling England's double-digit lead at Eden Park three years ago, but they were unable to repeat the trick in Bristol this time around. 

Liana Mikaele-Tu'u crossed from close range before Braxton Sorensen-McGee soon followed. However, another famous comeback was brilliantly repelled by Canada late on. 

11 years in the making...

80 minutes to make history #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/SKnqDO1PO1

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 19, 2025

Data Debrief: Canada deliver statement of intent

New Zealand headed into the encounter as marginal favourites given their displays at the business end of World Cups, but Canada had spoken about the belief they had taken from their last two meetings with the Black Ferns. 

And they certainly delivered here, reaching their second World Cup final, while their 15-point win was the biggest margin of victory by any nation against New Zealand at the women's or men's tournament. 

For New Zealand, though, this result marked their first defeat at a World Cup since 2014, when they were beaten 17-14 by Ireland in Marcoussis. 

Indeed, only in the 2017 finals (41-32 loss to England) have New Zealand conceded more points in a Rugby World Cup match than the 34 they shipped against Canada.