WATCH: From underdog to dark horse to World Cup Champs?
Ashton Gate, Bristol – Canada have written a new chapter in its rugby history after they stunned powerhouse New Zealand 34-19 in a commanding semifinal victory to reach the Final of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Entering the match as clear underdogs, the world’s second-ranked team silenced doubters and dominated proceedings from the opening whistle.
The Canadians outplayed the reigning champions with clinical precision, relentless defence, and unwavering belief.
This win ensured that Canada secured their first World Cup Final appearance since 2014, where they fell short against England. The side has yet to lift the trophy – but this year, they’ve shown they may finally be ready.
Captain Alex Tessier was emotional following the final whistle, reflecting on her team’s grit and belief.
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“I’m definitely soaking it in,” Captain Tessier stated after the match.
“It was incredible. A whirlwind of emotion after the final whistle.
“We struggled for the last five minutes just to make it, and we knew we had this game.
“I’m super proud of the girls. I’m super proud of this team, of where we’ve come from. We trusted each other, we trusted our process, and inevitably, we came up with the win. I couldn’t ask for a better day.”
Canada will face either France or England in the Final at Twickenham. Once again, they’ll go in as underdogs – but Tessier is more than happy to wear that label.
“I guess we’ve graduated from underdogs to dark horse, and we’ll see what’s next – maybe once we win that title.”
The team has been vocal about their goal of winning the tournament, using it to power a successful campaign to raise CAN$1 million in funding in the lead-up to the World Cup.
And it has been a major help for the team on the rise.
Since narrowly losing to England in the 2022 World Cup semifinals in New Zealand, Canada has grown in belief and performance.
They claimed the Pacific Four Series title in 2024, finished second to New Zealand on points difference in this year’s edition, and are now unbeaten in their last three encounters with the Black Ferns.
“There’s an eight-day turnaround, so we’re quite excited.
“Obviously, we like to take one game at a time, and I think we’ve shown that tonight. We focus week by week, minute by minute.
“I’m very confident with this team. There’s so much left in the tank.”
Canada will face their final challenge at Twickenham Stadium – the iconic venue where history could be made.
Whether it’s England or France awaiting them, Tessier and her squad are ready.
“We build after every training. We build after every match. And we’ll obviously review and reassess tonight’s win to quickly focus on England or France – and again, on ourselves as well.
“So, whoever wins, we’ll be ready for them.”
