England and New Zealand set up Women's Rugby World Cup final showdown

AUCKLAND: England and New Zealand won gripping semi-finals in Auckland on Saturday (Nov 5) to set up a women's Rugby World Cup decider between the two top-ranked teams.

Top seeds England absorbed a fierce challenge from Canada to prevail 26-19 before the defending champion Black Ferns delighted their Eden Park home crowd with a 25-24 defeat of France.

Both matches were decided in the dying moments, bringing to life a tournament that had largely been dominated by mismatches, including four lopsided quarter-finals last week.

New Zealand's win was the most pulsating, only sealed when French fly-half Caroline Drouin missed a relatively simple penalty shot at goal with 30 seconds left on the clock.

It was heartbreak for the fourth-ranked French, who have lost all eight semi-finals they have reached.

It hands the Black Ferns a chance to clinch a sixth title in the ninth edition of the tournament.

They will, however, need to topple two-time champions England, who have become the world's leading team since adopting a professional women's structure in 2019.

The Red Roses are on a 30-match winning streak, although that was severely challenged by the third-ranked Canucks, who threatened to pull off a major upset.

Two tries to winger Abby Dow - including a length-of-the-field score - proved crucial for England, along with the boot of centre Emily Scarratt, who slotted three penalty goals in her 11-point haul.

Otherwise, the tournament favourites were matched in all departments by Canada, who trailed 15-12 at halftime and were just four points behind when replacement forward Tyson Beukeboom crossed with 12 minutes remaining.

England captain Sarah Hunter said her team showed character to repel another late Canada assault.

"It went right down to