The Black Ferns’ bid for a seventh Rugby World Cup crown ended in a 34-19 semi-final defeat to Canada in Bristol, their first tournament loss since 2014.
World No 2 Canada dominated early, racing to a 24-7 halftime lead with a clinical display that exposed New Zealand’s errors and lack of ball security.
Despite second-half tries from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen McGee sparking hopes of a comeback, Canada’s discipline and Sophie de Goede’s standout performance sealed a famous victory. New Zealand must now regroup for the bronze medal match, while Canada prepare for their second-ever final.
