Canada's women's rugby team scores 3 tries in loss to New Zealand before record home crowd

It was a women's rugby celebration in Ottawa on Saturday.

A record crowd of 10,092 fans watched Sophie de Goede, Fabiola Forteza and Olivia DeMerchant post tries for Canada in a 52-21 loss to the reigning world champion New Zealand Black Ferns at TD Place in Pacific Four Series action — key preparation for the 2025 World Cup in England.

It was the largest crowd in program history.

Captain de Goede of Victoria put the No. 4 Canadians on the board late in the first half, shortly before Quebec City's Forteza added a try of her own. de Goede's two conversions made it 21-14 in favour of the visitors at halftime.

The second-ranked Black Ferns took control of the match early. Luka Connor put New Zealand in front in the second minute, with Ruahei Demant and Mererangi Paul each adding tries in the first half for a 21-0 lead.

Wow! The home fans enjoyed that score!