Canada dazzle, end NZ’s dominance

Canada ended New Zealand's decade of dominance at the Women’s World Cup, conjuring a 34-19 victory over the Black Ferns on Friday to reach the final and inflict a first defeat in the tournament on the double defending champions since 2014.

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Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Roches-ter, Florence Symonds, and Sophie de Goede crossed for Canada ina stunning first-half performance and Alex Tess-ier added another try after the break to extend what was already a healthy lead.

Six-time champions New Zealand produced a spirited fightback in the second half but could not prevent the Canadians reaching their second World Cup final after losing to England 11 years ago.

It was New Zealand's first World Cup semifinal defeat since 1991 with Canada now eagerly awaiting the winners of Saturday's second semifinal between England and France in the decider at Twickenham next Saturday.

“I'm excited already,’ said Canada coach Kevin Rouet.

“I said to the girls to stop crying because we have a job to do in eight days. That's the mindset. We need to finish the job and be ready in eight days,’ he added.