Canada crush NZ: Stunning victory ends Black Ferns' World Champion reign

The Black Ferns' reign as Women's Rugby World Champions has come to an end after losing to Canada 34-19 in front of a packed crowd of 24,392 at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Saturday, New Zealand Time.

Canada jumped to an impressive 17-0 in the first 25 minutes of their semifinal match.

Despite some moments where the Black Ferns showed promise, Canada dominated and deserved their victory.

The game started quickly, with both teams trying to find openings in each other's defences.

Canada's first break came in the sixth minute after a kick from Renee Holmes went out, and a clever pass from Taylor Perry set up Justine Pelletier, who was a constant threat with her fast play and smart decisions. Pelletier was named Player of the Match.

In the 11th minute, Canada scored their first try when a pas from Alexander Tessier put Asia Hogan-Rochester, who fended off Holmes, to get over the line.

New Zealand's Ayesha Leti-Iiga against Canada in Bristol. Photo/Photosport/Matthew Impey

Canada scored again in the 24th minute when a Sophie De Goode turnover set up Florence Symonds.

The Black Ferns managed to get on the scoreboard when Stacey Waaka leapt to secure the kickoff, allowing Tanya Kalounivale to crash over for her third try in 25 Tests.

But the Kiwis missed some scoring opportunities that could have given them the momentum.

Black Ferns' captain Kennedy Tukuafu and coach Allan Bunting face the media after their semifinal loss to Canada in Bristol on Saturday (NZ time). Photo/Photosport/Matthew Impey

In a critical moment just before and after halftime, Canada scored two more tries. In the 36th minute, Pelletier broke through the defence to send De Goode across the try line.

Just after halftime, Canada scored again, bringing the score to 31-7. The Black Ferns looked in trouble, but co-captain Ruahei Demant made a brilliant play that helped spark a comeback, allowing Liana Miakaele-Tu'u to score.

A few minutes later, Ayesha Leti-I’iga made an impressive play in her 30th match, leading to another try by Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

Canada regrouped and used their strong scrumming and lineout techniques to get a penalty, which De Goode successfully kicked for three points.

Demant reached a special milestone in the match by playing her 50th Test, joining just a few other players who have achieved this.

The referee, Aimee Barrett-Theron, officiated her 49th match, and under her leadership, the Black Ferns have experienced both victories and challenges.

Watch highlights of the Black Ferns v Canada Women's World Cup semifinal below.

The Black Ferns have had a remarkable journey, with 114 wins and only 23 losses in their Test history. They had a stunning 18-match winning streak in World Cup tournaments before this game.

New Zealand have won the World Cup six times, including in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, and 2021.

Canada will face the winner of the second semifinal - between France and hosts England - in the final on Sunday morning.

Black Ferns: 19 (Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Braxton Sorensen-McGee tries; Renee Holmes con, Sorensen-McGee con) Canada: 34 (Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Sophie de Goede tries; De Goede 3 cons, pen) HT: 24-7