Canada beat Australia 46–5 to reach World Cup semis
Sophie de Goede of Canada runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Michaela Leonard of Australia
©Photo by Molly Darlington - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Canada stormed into the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a commanding 46–5 victory over Australia at Ashton Gate in Bristol.
The Canadians ran in seven tries, dominated the breakdown, and controlled territory to shut out the Wallaroos after an early exchange of scores. Sophie de Goede led by example, contributing a try, four conversions, and tireless forward work.
The match opened at breakneck pace. Just two minutes in, Asia Hogan-Rochester burst clear on the right wing to score Canada’s first try, though the conversion went wide. Australia hit back almost immediately, as Desiree Miller raced down the left touchline in the sixth minute to level the scores at 5–5, giving hope of a contest.
From there, Canada seized control. Alysha Corrigan struck in the 14th minute, finishing off a crisp attack, before captain Sophie de Goede muscled over in the 17th minute. De Goede converted her own effort a minute later to stretch the lead to 17–5.
Only two minutes later, Corrigan added her second try, punishing slack defence, with De Goede adding the conversion on 20 minutes to make it 24–5.
The Canadians were relentless. Their pack drove deep into Australian territory and McKinley Hunt crashed over in the 38th minute. De Goede’s boot was again accurate, and Canada entered the break with a commanding 31–5 lead.
Canada resumed with the same control that had defined their first 40 minutes. Fabiola Forteza powered over for another try in the 50th minute, and De Goede converted a minute later, extending the margin to 38–5.
Australia were unable to sustain any meaningful possession, pinned in their own half by Canada’s tactical kicking and aggressive defence. The Canadians added a penalty goal in the 72nd minute when Alex Tessier calmly slotted three points, pushing the tally to 41–5.
Veteran Karen Paquin then capped off Canada’s performance with a try in the 77th minute, finishing a sweeping move in the corner. The conversion attempt drifted wide, but by then the outcome was beyond doubt. The final whistle confirmed a 46–5 victory.
