Overview
- Canada ended the Black Ferns’ eight-year title run with a 34-19 semi-final win at Ashton Gate, handing New Zealand their first World Cup defeat since 2014 and first knockout loss since 1991.
- Canada surged to a 24-7 halftime lead and scored a fifth try through captain Alex Tessier just after the break, with lock Sophie de Goede and scrumhalf Justine Pelletier pivotal.
- Coach Kevin Rouet stuck with an unchanged matchday 23 from the quarter-final, and veteran flanker Karen Paquin marked her 50th cap.
- New Zealand were without star openside Jorja Miller due to injury, with co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu starting in the back row.
- England have Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman back for their semi-final against France, who are missing suspended leaders Manaé Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu.