Rugby / Women's Rugby World Cup
Canada advance to World Cup final after victory over New Zealand in Bristol
Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final on Friday night between New Zealand and Canada, one fan told the stadium announcer that she had travelled to Ashton Gate from Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia pub is only half a mile from the stadium and a popular pre- and post-match pitstop for rugby and football fans.
But this wasn’t the watering hole in Hotwells; it was Nova Scotia in Canada (coincidentally the location of the Bay of Fundy which has the highest tidal range in the world – with the Bristol Channel in second place).
is needed now More than ever
For that one fan who had travelled 3,000 miles from eastern Canada, the long distance was worth it with her team winning 34 points to 19.
New Zealand versus Canada was the first semi-final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup – photo: Martin Booth
24,392 spectators were packed into Ashton Gate for this semi-final under the floodlights in BS3, with Mexican waves making their way around the stadium in the second half just like in the two quarter-finals here.
As is customary, New Zealand performed their traditional Haka before kick-off but what was expected to be a close contest soon turned into a one-sided affair with Canada scoring three tries before New Zealand got on the scoresheet.
Canadian lock Sophie de Goede was a cheat code at times, converting her own try and almost scoring a sensational breakaway as the clock neared 80 minutes. She could easily have been player of the match but that went to her colleague Justine Pelletier.
Defending champions New Zealand weren’t giving up without a fight, however, and mounted a spirited comeback after half-time, but Canada’s first-half dominance made the difference.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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