New Zealand,, France, Canada, England up for semi-finals for Women's Rugby World Cup. Image: All Blacks.
(The Post News)– The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) is down to its final four, and the stage is set for two blockbuster semi-final clashes in Bristol that promise passion, intensity, and world-class rugby.
Defending champions of the WRWC, New Zealand, booked their spot in the final four with a hard-fought victory over South Africa in Exeter on Saturday, moving one step closer to a record-extending seventh title.
Black Ferns and Red Roses Advance
Canada entered the WRWC as one of the favorites and underlined their credentials with a commanding quarter-final performance against Australia, outclassing their Southern Hemisphere rivals in every department. Now ranked second in the world, Canada will head into Friday’s showdown brimming with confidence and chasing what would be their first-ever World Cup title.
While the Black Ferns boast a proud and decorated tournament history, they are currently ranked third, making their clash with Canada a high-stakes battle between two of the top three teams in the world. Fans at Ashton Gate and millions watching around the world can expect a ferocious contest as the two teams bring power, pace, and pedigree to one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament.
England Extends Semi-Final Streak With Commanding Win Over Scotland
In the other half of the draw, England extended their remarkable run of reaching the semi-finals in every edition of the WRWC with a composed and clinical win over Scotland on Sunday in front of a passionate Bristol crowd. The Red Roses, the top-ranked team in the world, now turn their attention to a heavyweight encounter with long-time rivals France on Saturday, 20 September, once again at Ashton Gate.
More than 25,000 fans packed the stadium for England’s quarter-final, and organizers are already anticipating an even larger turnout for Saturday’s clash, a fixture steeped in rivalry and recent history.
England and France last faced each other in their final warm-up match before this year’s tournament, with the Red Roses delivering a statement 40-6 win. That result not only reinforced England’s dominance but also left France with a score to settle and plenty of motivation heading into the semi-final.
Fierce Rivalries, High Stakes, and a Place in the WRWC Final
Both semi-finals offer gripping narratives and contrasting histories. New Zealand and Canada represent two sides of the same coin: the Black Ferns as seasoned champions and the Canadians as determined challengers hungry for a maiden triumph.
England and France, on the other hand, bring one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries to the World Cup stage once again—a clash of neighbours, playing styles, and championship aspirations. For New Zealand and England, a return to the final would be familiar ground. For Canada and France, however, it would be a chance to rewrite their rugby history and step into new territory on the sport’s biggest stage.
As the countdown begins to the semi-finals in Bristol, excitement is building, stakes are rising, and fans are preparing for two epic encounters that will decide who gets the chance to lift the WRWC trophy in 2025. One thing is certain: the road to the final will not be easy, but it will be unforgettable.
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