RWC2025: New Zealand v Canada – Teams and Prediction
BRISTOL, UK – Friday night’s World Cup 2025 semifinal clash between Canada and New Zealand is set to be an epic battle between two of the tournament’s top contenders.
The fixture will see the second-ranked and third-ranked teams go head-to-head at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, with the winner advancing to the final at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, September 27.
Rising rivals
Over the past three years, Kévin Rouet, Canada’s head coach, and Allan Bunting, New Zealand’s Director of Performance, have developed a fierce rivalry, with each team claiming a win and one match ending in a draw – largely thanks to their frequent clashes in the Pacific Four Series.
Canada recorded their first-ever win over the six-time World Cup champions in 2024, helping them climb to second in the World Rugby rankings.
They are also unbeaten in their past two meetings against the Black Ferns, giving them confidence ahead of this crucial showdown.
“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 [a win and a draw] support that,” said Canada coach Kevin Rouet.
“We have every reason to believe that we can win this game. 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.”
The 2014 runners-up have named an unchanged matchday 23 following their 46-5 quarterfinal victory over Australia.
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“We could have made a couple of changes, but we wanted consistency with the six-day turnaround, so there’s not a lot of training and everybody is ready,” Rouet said.
It’s a different story for the Black Ferns, who have been forced to make a few changes following their 46-17 win over South Africa in the quarterfinal in Exeter.
The side suffered a massive blow in the shape of Jorja Miller, who has been ruled out of the semifinal clash.
The 21-year-old back-rower has been one of the outstanding players of the tournament, scoring four tries and impressing in defence.
New Zealand, the record six-time women’s world champions, have yet to confirm the precise nature of Miller’s injury.
New Zealand co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu has taken Miller’s place at openside flanker.
Tukuafu’s inclusion is one of four changes to the starting XV following New Zealand’s quarterfinal win over South Africa, with Sylvia Brunt back in midfield, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane starting at scrumhalf, and Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead prop.
Co-captain Ruahei Demant retains her flyhalf role and will win her 50th cap against Canada in Bristol.
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“Ruahei is an exceptional human,” Kennedy Tukuafu said when asked about Demant.
“She leads our team with so much pride. She’s powerful in her words. Nothing changes for her – she’s going to go out there and do her job.
“She’s going to lead our team as she does, and 50 games is an amazing milestone, but I know that she’d say, ‘It’s just another game’. She’s been amazing for our group, especially this week.”
Despite the loss of Miller, New Zealand is confident in its revised game plan and squad depth.
“They’re a quality side, they’re innovative, and they’re really connected – they’ve played a lot of rugby together. We’re just excited for the weekend to show them a new style of Black Ferns rugby.”
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Prediction:
Rugby365: Canada is in great form, but the Black Ferns know how to secure silverware. Therefore, I go with Black Ferns by five points.
Teams:
Canada: 15 Julia Schell, 14 Alysha Corrigan, 13 Florence Symonds, 12 Alexandra Tessier (captain), 11 Asia Hogan-Rochester; 10 Taylor Perry, 9 Justine Pelletier; 8 Fabiola Forteza, 7 Karen Paquin, 6 Caroline Crossley; 5 Courtney O’Donnell, 4 Sophie de Goede; 3 DaLeaka Menin, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 1 McKinley Hunt
Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Olivia DeMerchant, 19 Tyson Beukeboom, 20 Laetitia Royer, 21 Gabrielle Senft, 22 Olivia Apps, 23 Shoshanah Seumanutafa
New Zealand: 15 Renee Holmes, 14 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 13 Stacey Waaka, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 11 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 10 Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 9 Risi Pouri-Lane, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 5 Alana Bremner, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 3 Tanya Kalounivale, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 1 Chryss Viliko.
Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Kate Henwood, 18 Amy Rule, 19 Chelsea Bremner, 20 Layla Sae, 21 Maia Joseph, 22 Theresa Setefano, 23 Ayesha Leti-I’iga.
Date: Friday, September 19
Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol,
Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 GMT; 14.00 EDT; 06.00 Saturday, September 20 NZT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
Assistant Referees: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR) & Ella Goldsmith (RA)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)
*Additional source: AFP
