Black Ferns crash to semifinal defeat against Canada in women’s Rugby World Cup
At Ashton Gate, Bristol: Black Ferns 19 (Tanya Kalounivale 26’, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u 56’, Braxton Sorensen-McGee 65’ tries; Renee Holmes, Sorensen-McGee 2 con) Canada 34 (Justine Pelletier 8’, Asia Hogan-Rochester 11’, Florence Symond 24’, Sophie de Goede 35’, Alex Tessier 43’ tries; de Goede 3 con, pen). HT: 7-24.
The Black Ferns’ dream of a seventh Rugby World Cup title has been shattered by an outstanding Canada side in Bristol on Saturday (NZ time).
The world No 2 Canadians were supreme in attack and defence to win 34-19 to reach just their second women’s World Cup final at Twickenham next weekend.
The Black Ferns’ reign as world champions came to a thudding halt after scrambling to mount a comeback in the final quarter, but they went down to their first loss in a World Cup knockout match in 34 years.
The desperation factor accelerated as Canada were pinned in their 22 for spells in a tense finale.
However, the heartbroken Black Ferns ran out of ideas and won’t make it a hat-trick of world titles in England. Instead, the dreaded third-place playoff in London’s famous venue awaits.
Coach Allan Bunting watched the troubles of his tenure unfold in their ultimate test. At times, they were rabbits in headlights in their biggest game since their magical World Cup success on home soil in 2022.
The Black Ferns were impeded by their poor discipline, Canada’s brutal defence and slack kicking in play which couldn’t give them a route away from their own half. They weren’t awarded a penalty until the 61st minute.
Canada’s set piece was far superior and their pack was led wonderfully by enterprising lock Sophie de Goede, with halfback Justine Pelletier an excellent orchestrator for their ruthless attack.
De Goede booted an important late penalty goal to seal one of their greatest victories for a side who aren’t full-time like the Black Ferns. They had to look for resources via a crowdfunding campaign.
But the Black Ferns had no answer in a milestone 50th test for leader Ruahei Demant, who was helpless to stop Canada from exerting their unerring physical dominance on the Black Ferns’ forwards.
No 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker was their best in driving their fightback and midfielder Sylvia Brunt looked forceful with carries that punched holes in Canada’s wall of white jerseys.
There were too many uncharacteristic mistakes when the Black Ferns went wide. Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Stacey Waaka fumbled promising attacks.
The absence of Jorja Miller at openside flanker was felt because they were lacking a sharp edge when stretching the Canadian defence.
Canada’s lineout drive and ruck dominance gave them the platform to nullify New Zealand.
The Black Ferns’ only respite was Waaka snaffling a restart from the sevens playbook, hooker Georgia Ponsonby storming through for the middle and prop Tanya Kalounivale crashing over. It was the demonstration of the pace and movement they can unleash.
The Canadians were undeterred. They regained control to head into halftime with an imposing, deserved 24-7 lead.
To finish a drab first half, the Black Ferns gathered in a huddle on the field, knowing their grip on the World Cup trophy was in peril.
The second stanza couldn’t have started any worse when Canada captain Alex Tessier extended the margin with their fifth try.
The Black Ferns had no choice but to go for broke. They did and when battling loose forward Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Sorensen-McGee scored, hope was restored, albeit in vain.
The Black Ferns appeared to be asserting some physical control when prop Chryss Viliko’s crunching tackle popped possession out of Canada’s grasp.
It was a false dawn. Canada’s ruck speed was phenomenal and every time the Black Ferns were brought down, they were at risk of being gobbled up for a turnover.
Canada’s attacking pressure was ignited by Renee Holmes’ poor kick. Astounding handling gave them early tries for Pelletier and glittering winger Asia Hogan-Rochester.
Taylor Perry’s looping pass for Hogan-Rochester might be the best of the tournament, but Pelletier’s offload for de Goede to score was sublime, too.
Another dominant lineout drive also gave centre Florence Symonds the easiest finish with the Black Ferns’ defence in disarray.
The Black Ferns were pedalling backwards from sloppy discipline. Even the reliable Demant conceded a soft ruck penalty that epitomised their woes.
Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron never gave them the benefit of the doubt in a messy breakdown battle and Canada capitalised.
The big picture The Black Ferns’ last defeat in a World Cup knockout match was the 7-0 semifinal loss to the United States in Cardiff in 1991.
Their record since has been unmatched in an incredible sequence of success. Canada have obliterated that streak.
In fact, the Black Ferns had won 18 World Cup matches in a row since 2014 when they failed to make the semifinals.
Bunting’s side will have to wear the pain of this defeat in Bristol until the next World Cup in Australia in 2029. It wasn’t a surprise because the Black Ferns hadn’t beaten Canada in their last two encounters.
What’s next England play France in the second semifinal in Bristol on Sunday at 2:30am (NZ time).
The Black Ferns will have to get up for the bronze final at Twickenham next Saturday night (NZ time). Canada can dream of winning their first World Cup.
– Stuff