Belief, speed and De Goede: why Canada can upset Black Ferns

Maple Leafs have gone under radar but underdogs can trouble reigning champions in tonight’s semi-final

- Sarah Rendell

For anyone who might be thinking the defending champions New Zealand are a shoo-in to make the Rugby World Cup final, Canada have three key attributes to suggest they can knock out the Black Ferns in their semifinal this evening: Belief, fast ruck speed and Sophie de Goede.

Canada are the world’s No 2 side and came close to beating England at the 2024 WXV, yet have gone under the radar in the buildup to this tournament and during its early stages, with much of the attention focused on the potential for a rematch of the 2022 final between New Zealand and the hosts, England.

Against the Black Ferns in the last four at Ashton Gate, Canada will still be viewed as underdogs, something the team have spoken about a lot, according to Alysha Corrigan. “It is something that isn’t new for us,” says the wing. “We are usually seen as that underdog and not always getting that recognition we think we deserve. I think that is something that fuels our fire.”