Canada crushes Australia 46-5 as Sophie de Goede shines, setting up a semifinal clash with New Zealand at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
De Goede Shines as Canada Dominates Australia
Oak Bay’s own Sophie de Goede stole the spotlight on Saturday, leading Canada to a commanding 46-5 victory over Australia in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. The 26-year-old scored a try and added four conversions in her 38th international appearance, earning player of the match honors and putting Greater Victoria on the global rugby map.
“Every player brought their A-game, and our impact subs finished the match brilliantly. That’s what makes us a great team,” de Goede said, highlighting the squad’s versatility and adaptability.
Canada’s Offense Unstoppable
Canada’s attack was relentless, with Alysha Corrigan crossing the try line twice, and Asia Hogan-Rochester, McKinley Hunt, Fabiola Forteza, and Karen Paquin also adding tries. De Goede now leads the tournament in offloads (11) and conversions (17) while ranking 12th in total tackles (50). Her 44 points so far place her third overall, trailing only New Zealand’s Braxton Sorensen-McGee (52) and Renee Holmes (45).
Head coach Kevin Rouet praised the team’s execution, especially in the opening 40 minutes.
“The first half was our best of the tournament. Minimal mistakes and strong teamwork set us up perfectly,” Rouet said.
Semifinal Showdown Awaits
With this victory, Canada advances to face New Zealand in the semifinals on Friday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. The Black Ferns are a tough opponent, having won six of the last seven World Cups and scoring 202 points so far in the tournament.
The semifinal will be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, with Canada aiming for its first-ever World Cup title. The final, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 at Twickenham, will already make history with a sold-out crowd of 82,000—the largest attendance ever for a women’s rugby union match.
Canada’s blend of skill, teamwork, and star power like de Goede could make this World Cup a historic one. Fans around the world are now eagerly counting down the days to a semifinal that promises intensity, excitement, and unforgettable rugby action.
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