Canada dominate Wallaroos in Rugby World Cup quarter-final
The quarter-final clash between Canada and Australia at the Women’s Rugby World Cup was billed as a fascinating contest — the Wallaroos coming in as underdogs, Canada arriving as the world’s number two side. From the very first whistle at Ashton Gate Stadium, the tempo was set. Within just three minutes, Canada had struck first through Hogan-Rochester, who took full advantage of an open field ahead. It was a clear statement of intent, and from there the Canadians rarely looked back.
Australia did respond, with Ivania Wong Miller crossing the line in the ninth minute, bringing the Wallaroos level at 5–5. For a moment, the game looked evenly balanced. But Canada’s composure and precision soon began to shine through. Their captain, Sophie de Goede, played a pivotal role in directing traffic, setting up opportunities, and even scoring one herself. By the 21st minute, Canada had already surged to a commanding 24–5 lead, thanks to tries from Corrigan and de Goede, and two well-timed conversions.
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It wasn’t just the points that impressed — it was the way Canada played. Their forwards were relentless, making hard yards, while the backs showed lightning pace and sharp handling. Short, quick offloads opened up gaps in Australia’s defense time and again. At one point, BBC commentators remarked that the Wallaroos were “chasing shadows,” which captured the mood perfectly.
For Australia, there were flashes of fight. They pressed near the Canadian line midway through the first half, but handling errors and head injuries to key players disrupted their momentum. Despite captain Siokapesi Palu’s belief that her team could embrace the underdog role and play with freedom, Canada’s dominance left little room for improvisation. By halftime, the Wallaroos were already on the back foot, staring at a mountain they struggled to climb.
The significance of this match goes beyond the scoreline. Canada had topped their pool earlier in the tournament with three straight wins, and their confident start in the knockout stage underscored why they are seen as genuine contenders. Australia, meanwhile, had fought their way through to the quarters after a heavy defeat to England, showing resilience but also exposing their limitations against the very best sides.
Coach Jo Yapp had urged her Wallaroos to be bold — to leave the field without regrets. And while bravery was shown, it was Canada’s blend of power and fluidity that dictated proceedings. With the victory all but sealed before the half-hour mark, attention quickly shifted to what lies ahead. Canada’s win set up a semi-final showdown against defending champions New Zealand, who had already swept past South Africa earlier in the day.
So, the story of the quarter-final was one of dominance. Canada’s discipline, speed, and execution proved too much for Australia. The Wallaroos entered as hopeful challengers, but it was the Canadians who walked away not just as winners, but as a side brimming with momentum for the battles still to come.
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