Rugby World Cup final spot on the line when Canadian women face New Zealand

Canada coach Kevin Rouet has named an unchanged side for Friday's semifinal showdown with defending champion New Zealand at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

The second-ranked Canadians and third-ranked Black Ferns will meet at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, with No. 1 England and No. 4 France facing off at the same venue in the second semifinal Saturday.

Canada downed No. 7 Australia (46-5) in the quarterfinals after topping Pool B by defeating No. 13 Fiji (65-7), No. 12 Wales (42-0) and No. 6 Scotland (40-19).

"On Friday, we take another step toward the ultimate goal we have been building toward over our first four games and the last three years," Rouet said in a statement. "It will be a short week of preparation, but the team will be ready."

Prior to a 22-19 win in Christchurch, New Zealand, in May 2024, the Canadian women had lost all 17 previous meetings with the Black Ferns, with 10 of those defeats by 27 points or more.

The milestone win secured the Pacific Four Series title and moved the Canadian women to No. 2 in the world rankings behind England, replacing New Zealand and equalling their highest-ever position from November 2016. Canada had started the 2024 tournament at No. 4, but moved past France into No. 3 after beating Australia 33-14.

Canada and New Zealand drew 27-27 when they met in Pacific Four Series play in May this year, with the Black Ferns drawing even on an 83rd-minute try by Sylvia Brunt after Shoshanah Seumanutafa's 76th-minute try gave the Canadians a 27-22 lead.

New Zealand went on to win the 2025 Pacific Four Series title on points difference over Canada.

"We have shown over the past two years that we are one of the best teams in the world, and our last two results against New Zealand