New Zealand to meet Canada in Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final

Defending champions New Zealand will face Canada in the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup after the two sides recorded contrasting quarter-final victories on Saturday.

The Black Ferns, record six-time winners and unbeaten at the tournament since 2014, were pushed harder than expected by South Africa, who were appearing in their first-ever quarter-final. The Springboks defied pre-match predictions to reach half-time level at 10-10 before New Zealand responded emphatically, scoring 29 unanswered points on their way to a 46-17 win in Exeter.

Captain Ruahei Demant revealed that stern words were exchanged during the interval.

“We got a bit of a ruck-up in the sheds, particularly us backs,” she admitted. “Our accuracy wasn’t good enough and it wasn’t the standard that this jersey demands.”

Looking ahead to the semi-final against Canada, ranked second in the world compared with New Zealand’s third, Demant acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“We played them earlier this year at home in Christchurch and it ended in a draw, so we know there won’t be much room for error. Our performance will have to be spot on.”

For South Africa, it marked the end of an era as captain Nolusindiso Booi bowed out following her final appearance. The 40-year-old second row had announced prior to the World Cup that she would retire after the tournament.

“I’m so emotional right now but proud of the progress of our team,” said Booi.

Canada, meanwhile, were emphatic in Bristol, dismantling Australia 46-5. The North Americans ran in five tries during a blistering first half to lead 31-5 at the interval, before closing out a dominant win. They will now return to Ashton Gate on Friday to take on New Zealand, a team that has beaten England in five of the past six finals.

Head coach Kevin Rouet insisted his side would approach the fixture with belief but not complacency.

“You can’t be over-confident, but for sure we are confident. We face them a lot, so it is going to be a very tight game.”

England and France eye semi-final spots

Sunday’s quarter-finals pit four European nations against each other. World No. 1 England face Scotland, while France, ranked fourth, meet fifth-placed Ireland.

The Red Roses are chasing a new landmark as they look to surpass their own record of 30 consecutive Test victories. Unbeaten since losing the 2022 World Cup final, they will be boosted by the return of captain Zoe Aldcroft from injury, although full-back Ellie Kildunne misses out after suffering a concussion against Australia.

England overwhelmed Scotland 59-7 in this year’s Six Nations, but heavy rain forecast in Bristol could provide the Scots with an unexpected advantage. Head coach John Mitchell remained unfazed.

“We believe that we can adapt to all weather conditions,” he said. “We don’t need to be scoring 10 out of 10.”

Scotland, who last defeated England in 1999, are determined to make their mark, according to outgoing head coach Bryan Easson.

“We came here to qualify for the quarter-finals. We’ve done that, we’re top six in the world, and I’d say we’re making real progress.”

The most finely balanced quarter-final could come in Exeter, where France take on Ireland. France won 27-15 when the sides last met in the Six Nations, but both camps anticipate a fierce battle.

Ireland prop Linda Djougang said:

“We came so close last time. We know the challenge ahead.”

Despite Ireland’s heavy 40-0 defeat to New Zealand in their final pool match, France captain Marine Ménager expects no let-up.

“We know Ireland will come at us hard, and we’ll have to deliver a massive performance.”