There are plenty of ways to pass a pleasurable Friday night in Bristol, a vibrant and diverse city providing a veritable cornucopia of entertainment options, but the many rugby-minded folk of the southwest will recognise where the best show in town should be. The centuries of conflict between England and France mean that their rivalry will draw much of the focus on Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final weekend yet the collision between New Zealand and Canada perhaps promises a closer contest.
Before last year, few would have given Canada too much hope of derailing the six-time world champions but Kevin Rouet’s smart, experienced and uber-athletic side have broken new ground in the last 18 months. On a quiet, cold night in Christchurch last May, the Canadians broke new ground in conquering New Zealand for the first time to fully establish themselves as World Cup contenders; 12 months later, they very nearly did it again, a 27-all draw snatched by the hosts at the death by Sylvia Brunt’s score in the 83rd minute. Expect, then, Friday night fireworks – with Canada under no illusions about the habit of the Black Ferns to rise to the sport’s biggest occasion.
