Canada toppled New Zealand to reach Women's Rugby World Cup final

Canada ended New Zealand's defence of the Women's Rugby World Cup on Friday night, beating the six time champions 34-19 at Ashton Gate in Bristol to reach the final in what tournament organisers called a major upset. The Maple Leafs produced a composed, physical performance to pull clear in the second half, while the Black Ferns, hampered by lapses in discipline and a lack of momentum, were left to regroup and prepare for the bronze match.

Canada scored early and often, with scrumhalf Justine Pelletier opening the scoring in the seventh minute before Asia Hogan-Rochester crossed two minutes later to put the visitors on the front foot. Florence Symonds extended the lead on 23 minutes and Sophie de Goede finished the half with a powerful try to make it 24-7 at the interval. Alex Tessier added a second-half score to push the margin further. De Goede, who also kicked penalties and conversions, finished among the scorers and was influential throughout the contest.

New Zealand fought back in the second half through tries from Tanya Kalounivale and later Liana Mikaele-Tuu and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, but the comeback petered out as De Goede's late penalty and solid Canadian defence...