Black Ferns trounced in WRWC semifinal
- Dave Worsley
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 22
The Black Ferns have been beaten 34-19 by Canada in the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup in Bristol.
Defending champions New Zealand put in a stronger performance in the second half but couldn't come back from 7-24 down at the break as the second ranked Canadians held on and scored five tries to three in total.
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Halfback Justine Pelletier had a top game scoring a try and taking charge of her side which showed greater discipline than New Zealand as Canada were smarter when it counted and weren't penalised in the first half.
The Black Ferns lacked defensive intensity allowing the Canadians to quickly build momentum and they capitalised with tries for lock Sophie de Goede, Pelletier, wing Asia Hogan-Rochester and midfielder Florence Symonds.
New Zealand had responded via a try for prop Tanya Kalounivale to narrow the score to 17-7 but were unable to find another until almost midway through the second half when No8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u crossed the line to make it 31-14.
Breakout star Braxton Sorensen-McGee’s try in the right corner, following a kick-pass by No.10 Ruahei Demant, gave the Black Ferns hope with 15 minutes remaining. It was Sorensen-McGee's 10th try of the tournament.
At 31-19, the Black Ferns were still in with a chance, but a penalty from de Goede and good clock management from the Canadians closed the door on a comeback.
The Black Ferns missed the attacking and defensive ability of Jorja Miller, ruled out with a leg injury and didn't get enough ball to backline talents Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waka and Braxton-McGee.
It is the first time since 2014 that Canada have made the World Cup final and the most points they have scored against New Zealand.
Canada 34 (Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Sophie de Goede, Florence Symonds, Alex Tessier tries; de Goede 2 cons, pen)
Black Ferns 19 (Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Braxton Sorensen-McGee tries; Renee Holmes con, Braxton Sorensen-McGee con)
