Canada through to Women's World Cup final with historic win over New Zealand

Ranked second in the world, Canada seized control early with a ruthless first-half display. Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds and captain Sophie de Goede all crossed to establish a commanding 17-0 lead inside 24 minutes.

Their accuracy and finishing set the tone, with Alex Tessier adding a decisive try after the interval to blunt New Zealand's attempted comeback.

The result ended the Black Ferns' remarkable unbeaten run in the competition, stretching back to 2014, and marked their first semi-final defeat in history.

Six-time champions and double defending title-holders, New Zealand fought back gamely in the second half but never recovered from the early onslaught.

For Canada, this landmark win represents only their second appearance in a World Cup final. Their first came 11 years ago, when they were beaten by England.

Before Friday's clash, Canada had lost 18 of 19 previous encounters with New Zealand, underlining the scale of the upset.

The match lived up to its billing as a contest between the world's second and third-ranked nations, with both sides committed to keeping the ball alive. Ultimately, Canada's superior killer instinct in attack proved decisive.

The Canadians will now await the outcome of Saturday's second semi-final between England and France in Bristol. 

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