Women’s Rugby World Cup: ‘Fairytale’ Canada deliver ‘seismic’ semi-final win over New Zealand

Despite the gulf in World Cup prestige between both sides, the result does follow form and world seedings with Canada ranked one place above the Black Ferns.

Kevin Rouet’s side defeated the world champions for the first time in May 2024, prevailing 22-19 in Christchurch, before following that win up with a 27-27 draw in their most recent meeting four months ago.

During the past two years, Canada have performed above their amateur status to also defeat France and give England a proper run for their money at last year’s WXV1.

The result in Bristol means they have reached their first World Cup final since 2014, which the Red Roses won in France.

“Without a doubt this Canadian team is the best Canadian team I’ve seen in years,” former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett told BBC Two.

“I was there when they made the World Cup final in 2014, they’ve always been athletes and physical.

“But now it’s the awareness, the understanding of the game. They’ve got the nuts and bolts, but they’ve also got the magic as well.”

Despite tears at full-time there remained a sense of calm and focus before next Saturday’s final at Twickenham.

De Goede watched the 2014 final, which replacement lock Tyson Beukeboom played in, as a fan and made clear post-match that there is “one more job left to do”.

“This is a journey that doesn’t stop now for them,” former Canada international and current Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie told BBC Two.

“There’s such a feeling of belief, of momentum. The group won’t be satisfied with just this.

“This cannot be the momentum for Canada. They’ve got to keep driving.”