Classy Canada cruise into World Cup final after win over New Zealand

Canada stormed into the World Cup final with a conclusive 34-19 victory at Ashton Gate but were forced to weather a second-half storm from defending champions New Zealand.

Alex Tessier’s side raced 31-7 ahead with a performance that will have sent shockwaves through the women’s game before displaying their mettle to withstand a determined fightback from the favourites.

England or France await in the final – the Six Nations rivals clash in Bristol on Saturday – and both will have watched the precision of their play with apprehension ahead of a possible Allianz Stadium showdown next weekend.

11 years in the making...

80 minutes to make history