On September 13, 2025, the city of Bristol witnessed a masterclass in women’s rugby as Canada stormed past Australia with a resounding 46-5 victory in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. With the win, the Maple Leafs booked their place in the semi-finals, where a date with the reigning champions New Zealand awaits next Friday. But don’t let the lopsided scoreline fool you—the Wallaroos gave everything they had, and the numbers only tell part of the story.
From the opening whistle, Canada signaled their intent. It took just two minutes for Hogan-Rochester to break through the Australian line, capitalizing on a swift midfield run by Crossley and dotting down for the match’s first try. The early try could’ve rattled a lesser side, but Australia answered right back. At the six-minute mark, Desirée Miller found space down the left wing, sprinting in for a try that leveled the contest and set an electrifying tone.
For a moment, it looked like the Wallaroos might go toe-to-toe with the Canadians. Their defense held up valiantly, and they even managed to steal a lineout and press deep into enemy territory. Twice, Australia came within meters of the Canadian try line, only to be denied by a red wall that refused to crack. The defensive stand was a testament to the grit and determination that’s come to define this Australian squad.
Yet, Canada’s relentless attack began to tell. Corrigan crossed the whitewash at the 13th minute, and moments later, Sophie de Goede—who would later be named Player of the Match—added a try of her own, converting it to stretch the lead. Another try from Corrigan at the 19-minute mark, again converted by de Goede, put Canada firmly in control. Australia’s fly-half Moleka was forced to leave the field for a head injury assessment at the 22-minute mark, a blow that could have rattled the Wallaroos further. Talakai, too, went off for a head injury just a minute later, replaced by Amosa.
But the Wallaroos dug in. Their defense fended off wave after wave of Canadian attacks, even turning over the Maple Leafs when they threatened to score again. The Australians’ resilience was on full display in the 28th minute when they repelled a Canadian surge just inches from their own line. Still, the Canadians were relentless, and after ten minutes of pressure deep in the Australian 22, Hunt finally broke through for Canada’s fifth try at the 37-minute mark, with de Goede adding the extras.
The halftime break saw Moleka return to the pitch, having passed her head injury assessment, offering a glimmer of hope for the Wallaroos. However, the second half opened much as the first had ended—with Canada on the front foot. Forteza stretched out to score in the 49th minute, with de Goede converting once more. The rain began to fall in Bristol, but it did little to dampen Canadian spirits.
Australia continued to battle, making a series of substitutions in an effort to inject fresh legs and energy. Hinds took over from Wood at scrum-half, and the Wallaroos’ bench was emptied in search of a spark. Canada, for their part, rotated their own lineup, keeping things lively and ensuring no let-up in intensity.
Despite the scoreline, the Wallaroos’ defense stiffened considerably in the second half. Tries were harder to come by, and Australia’s forwards put in a bruising shift at the breakdown. At the 54-minute mark, a promising Australian attack was snuffed out by Canada’s superb defense, who forced a turnover as the Wallaroos failed to release the ball. It was emblematic of the match—australia’s ambition continually checked by Canadian discipline and physicality.
As the clock ticked down, Tessier slotted a penalty for Canada in the 72nd minute, adding to the lead. The final act came with Paquin storming across for a late try in the 76th minute, capping off a comprehensive Canadian performance. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Canada 46, Australia 5.
Sophie de Goede’s contribution was impossible to overlook. Not only did she score a try and convert four others, but her leadership and kicking were instrumental in keeping the Maple Leafs’ attack humming. “Sophie de Goede was awarded Player of the Match on September 13, 2025,” the tournament organizers declared, a fitting recognition for a player who commanded every inch of the pitch.
For the Wallaroos, the result was a bitter pill, but not without silver linings. Their defensive effort, especially in the face of relentless pressure, was something to build on. Australia’s journey to the quarterfinals had already been a story of resilience, having snagged the last available spot in the knockout rounds. The experience gained by young players like Miller, who scored Australia’s lone try, and the leadership shown by captain Palu, will surely serve them well in future tournaments.
Canada’s victory sets up a tantalizing semi-final clash with New Zealand—a matchup loaded with history and high stakes. The Maple Leafs will need every ounce of the discipline, attacking flair, and defensive grit they showcased against Australia to overcome the reigning champions. With de Goede in imperious form and a squad firing on all cylinders, hopes are high in the Canadian camp.
This World Cup quarterfinal was more than just a one-sided affair; it was a showcase of the evolving landscape of women’s rugby. Both teams demonstrated the depth, athleticism, and tactical nous that have come to define the modern game. For fans in Bristol and around the globe, it was a reminder that while the scoreboard matters, the heart and hustle on display are what truly make rugby special.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Bristol next Friday as Canada faces New Zealand in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final. Can the Maple Leafs maintain their momentum and topple the champions? Or will New Zealand’s pedigree prove too much? One thing’s for sure: if this quarterfinal was any indication, women’s rugby is in for an electrifying finish.
As the teams left the field, Canada could celebrate a job well done, while Australia could hold their heads high, knowing they had given everything against a world-class opponent. The journey continues for Canada, and for the Wallaroos, the lessons learned here may well be the foundation for future success.