Women's Rugby World Cup: Semi-Final Preview - New Zealand vs Canada & England vs France

Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 11:15

byTom Sansom

Just four teams remain in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, with the semi-finals upon us this weekend in Bristol. Ashton Gate will host back-to-back nights of exhilarating action, as New Zealand, Canada, France and England all look to book their places in the Final next Saturday, at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

PREVIEW: WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

New Zealand vs Canada – Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol – Friday 19 September, 7pm GMT

World champions New Zealand take on world number two Canada in a mouth-watering Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate, for a clash that pits two of the tournament’s most fluent attacking sides head-to-head.

The Black Ferns showed both vulnerability and brilliance in their quarter-final victory over South Africa. Shaken by an early Babalwa Latsha try, New Zealand found themselves locked at 10–10 at half-time before rediscovering their rhythm.

A ruthless second-half surge, featuring doubles for full-back Renee Holmes and number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker alongside more scoring fireworks from teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee, ensured a 46–17 win. But Allan Bunting’s side know a slow start of that nature could prove far costlier against the Maple Leafs.

Bunting has freshened up his line-up for the semi-final, introducing Tanya Kalounivale at tight-head and moving captain Kennedy Tukuafu into the seven jersey after Jorja Miller’s injury. Sylvia Brunt returns at inside centre, while co-captain Ruahei Demant celebrates her 50th Test appearance in the playmaker role. With attacking flair across the backline and impact players like Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Theresa Setefano on the bench, the champions have no shortage of firepower.

Canada, meanwhile, arrive in Bristol full of confidence after dismantling Australia 46–5 in a performance that blended precision and power. Alysha Corrigan bagged a brace, Asia Hogan-Rochester struck early, and captain Sophie de Goede led by example with a try and four conversions. Fabiola Forteza and veteran Karen Paquin, who wins her 50th cap, added gloss to a commanding display that underlined Canada’s credentials.

Head coach Kevin Rouet has opted for continuity, naming an unchanged 23. With a balanced pack, a razor-sharp backline, and a collective belief forged through resilience and togetherness, Canada will view this as a golden opportunity to claim a first-ever win Women's Rugby World Cup win over New Zealand and reach their second tournament Final.

New Zealand Starting XV:

Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Tanya Kalounivale, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Alana Bremner, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (c), 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Risi Pouri-Lane, 10. Ruahei Demant (c), 11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 15. Renee Holmes.

New Zealand Replacements:

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.

Canada Starting XV:

McKinley Hunt, 2. Emily Tuttosi, 3. DaLeaka Menin, 4. Sophie de Goede, 5. Courtney O'Donnell, 6. Caroline Crossley, 7. Karen Paquin, 8. Fabiola Forteza, 9. Justine Pelletier, 10. Taylor Perry, 11. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 12. Alex Tessier, 13. Florence Symonds, 14. Alysha Corrigan, 15. Julia Schell.

Canada Replacements:

Gillian Boag, 17. Brittany Kassil, 18. Olivia DeMerchant, 19. Tyson Beukeboom, 20. Laetitia Royer, 21. Gabrielle Senft, 22. Olivia Apps, 23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa.

England vs France – Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol – Saturday 20 September, 3.30pm GMT

Two of Europe’s fiercest rivals collide in Bristol as England face France for a place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final. The Red Roses are bidding to extend their record-breaking winning streak to 32 Tests, while France, rejuvenated after a rollercoaster quarter-final, are desperate to end their semi-final hoodoo.

England underlined their credentials with a commanding 40–8 victory over Scotland. Fly-half Holly Aitchison steered proceedings with authority, kicking 15 points, while Kelsey Clifford’s brace of tries set the tone. Morwenna Talling and Abby Dow added further scores, Dow marking her 50th international try. In tough conditions, England’s set-piece dominance and relentless defence proved overwhelming.

John Mitchell has now recalled Ellie Kildunne at full-back and Hannah Botterman at loosehead following their brief injury lay offs, while Zoe Harrison gets the nod at fly-half. Abbie Ward’s return in the second row adds steel, and captain Zoe Aldcroft once again anchors the pack. England’s blend of power and precision, coupled with proven finishers like Jess Breach and Dow, make them formidable.

France arrive with momentum after one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks. Trailing Ireland 13–0 at half-time, Les Bleues roared back through Charlotte Escudero and a stunning solo try from Joanna Grisez, with Morgane Bourgeois adding crucial kicks in an 18–13 triumph.

Head coach Gaëlle Mignot has made significant changes: Carla Arbez starts at fly-half, Nassira Konde steps into midfield, and Marine Ménager shifts to the wing. With Manae Feleu suspended, Hina Ikahehegi comes into the second row, while Teani Feleu takes over at number eight.

It was a gritty, imperfect performance, marked by three yellow cards, but also proof of France’s resilience under pressure. The controversy surrounding Axelle Berthoumieu’s citing for a bite adds a sub-plot, but Gaelle Mignot's side will relish the underdog role against their greatest rivals.

England Starting XV:

Hannah Botterman, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Maud Muir, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Abbie Ward, 6. Zoe Aldcroft (c), 7. Sadia Kabeya, 8. Alex Matthews, 9. Natasha Hunt, 10. Zoe Harrison, 11. Jess Breach, 12. Tatyana Heard, 13. Megan Jones, 14. Abby Dow, 15. Ellie Kildunne.

England Replacements:

Lark Atkin-Davies, 17. Kelsey Clifford, 18. Sarah Bern, 19. Rosie Galligan, 20. Maddie Feaunati, 21. Lucy Packer, 22. Holly Aitchison, 23. Helena Rowland.

France Starting XV:

Yllana Brosseau, 2. Agathe Gerin, 3. Rose Bernadou, 4. Madoussou Fall Raclot, 5. Hina Ikahehegi, 6. Charlotte Escudero, 7. Lea Champon, 8. Teani Feleu, 9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 10. Carla Arbez, 11. Marine Ménager, 12. Gaby Vernier, 13. Nassira Konde, 14. Joanna Grisez, 15. Morgane Bourgeois.

France Replacements:

16. Elisa Riffonneau, 17. Annaelle Deshaye, 18. Assia Khalfaoui, 19. Taina Maka, 20. Seraphine Okemba, 21. Alexandra Chambon, 22. Lina Tuy, 23. Kelly Arbey.