A sea of nearly 82,000 fans packed Allianz Stadium in London, setting a new high-water mark for women’s rugby, as Canada’s bold World Cup final run crashed into red-clad reality on Saturday.
Canada’s women entered the championship match with purpose, their sights set on avenging a previous heartbreak against England. They struck early, with Asia Hogan Rochester crossing over for a try just five minutes in. That opening jolt fired up the Canadian side and the crowd alike. But the game of rugby turns fast, and when Sophie de Goede’s conversion attempts failed to split the uprights, the tone shifted.
England, top-ranked and clinical, smelled blood. Three unanswered converted tries before halftime had the Red Roses leading 21-8. Canada answered with a penalty kick, but the deficit grew tough to claw back. Every missed conversion, every misstep, gave England another gear, and momentum slipped further from Canadian hands.
By the second half, the hosts pressed their advantage. Alex Matthews notched her second try, extending England’s lead to 31-13 and quelling Canadian hopes of a comeback. The record crowd, 81,885 strong, underscored just how far women’s rugby has come, making every play and missed opportunity loom even larger.
Canada’s campaign was built on grit and ambition, but the details told the story: missed conversions, critical early errors, and England’s ruthless efficiency. With Asia Hogan Rochester’s two tries and de Goede’s penalty, Canada flashed their potential, but accuracy eluded them when it mattered most.
The loss stings, especially after falling to England in the 2014 final as well. But on this global stage, Canada showed fight and flashes of brilliance. The lessons are clear—capitalizing on chances and tightening up under pressure are what separate contenders from champions. The next chapter for Canadian women’s rugby is about turning heartbreak into hunger for that elusive first title.
References:
Canada falls to England in Women’s Rugby World Cup final
