The Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinals didn’t just set the stage for a historic final weekend, they blew it wide open. Two thrilling matches have now arranged a climactic showdown between the world’s top two teams for the championship, while the two losing semifinalists will fight for a podium spot.
Semifinal 1: Canada Stuns New Zealand
In a stunning upset that will be remembered for years to come, Canada’s defeated the defending champions, New Zealand, with a commanding 34–19 victory at Ashton Gate. The Canadians came out firing, with scrum-half Justine Pelletier orchestrating a brilliant first-half performance that saw them race to a 24–7 lead at the break. Pelletier was at the heart of everything, dictating the tempo and earning the Mastercard Player of the Match award for her efforts.
This loss marks a monumental moment for New Zealand’s program, as it is only the second time in the team’s history they will not feature in the final. The only other instance was the 1994 tournament, where they did not participate. Canada’s victory not only ended New Zealand’s reign but also marked the largest margin of victory ever recorded against them in a Rugby World Cup match. Canada now advances to their first World Cup final since 2014.
Semifinal 2: England Dominates France
In the second semifinal, England’s Red Roses continued their dominant run, beating France 35-17 in front of a passionate crowd of 25,478 at Ashton Gate. The victory extends England’s remarkable winning streak to 32 matches.
England’s Ellie Kildunne was the star of the show, scoring two superb tries that showcased her blistering speed and agility. While France fought valiantly and tested the English defense, they were unable to convert their opportunities into points consistently. England’s powerful forward pack and clinical finishing in the second half proved to be the difference, with tries from Amy Cokayne, Abbie Ward, and Megan Jones sealing the victory. This win sets up a rematch of the 2014 final between England and Canada.
Bronze Final Preview: New Zealand vs. France
The battle for third place at Allianz Stadium is shaping up to be a fascinating contest between two teams with a great deal to prove. For New Zealand, the bronze final is an opportunity to salvage pride and finish the tournament on a high note after the shock of their semifinal loss. They will be eager to demonstrate the attacking flair that saw them through the pool stage and prove their defeat was an anomaly.
For France, this match represents a chance for redemption. Despite reaching the semifinals for the ninth time in history, they have consistently fallen short of the final, and this loss to England was their 17th consecutive defeat to their rivals. While the gold medal dream is over, a victory would secure a podium finish and a valuable medal for a program that has consistently been on the cusp of greatness.
Gold Final Preview: Canada vs. England
The Rugby World Cup 2025 final is set to be a spectacular showdown between the two top-ranked teams in the world: Canada (No. 2) and England (No. 1). The match will be held at Allianz Stadium in London on Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 PM local time.
England enters the match with an impressive record and the home advantage, having not lost a match in over three years. Their recent encounters with Canada, however, have been fiercely contested, including a narrow 22-19 victory for Canada in the 2024 Pacific Four Series. Canada, meanwhile, is playing with an immense amount of confidence after their historic win over New Zealand. The Canadian team has shown incredible depth and a fast-paced attack that has proven difficult to defend. The final promises to be a battle of contrasting styles and a true test of discipline and resilience for both sides.
You can continue following our coverage of the 2025 RWC here: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2024/10/22/2025-rugby-world-cup-schedule-results-how-to-watch/.
