Canada seeks World Cup upset as it faces England in final

England will play Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup final on Saturday at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, with the Red Roses listed as favorites. England are the world No. 1 team and have not lost in 32 matches, while Canada sit No. 2 and have been unbeaten this year. Canada advanced by defeating defending champions New Zealand 34-19 in the semi-finals, turning a 24-7 halftime lead into a comfortable win. In their most recent meeting in 2024, England edged Canada 21-12, but Canada created more ball and territory before the final score.

Canada's approach centers on ultra-fast ruck speed and rapid ball recycling. Former England flanker Maggie Alphonsi described Canada as having one of the fastest ruck speeds, with the ball exiting the ruck within two seconds after tackles — comparable to a Formula 1 pit stop. Across the World Cup, Canada have produced the second-most clean breaks and offloads and have the most runs, reflecting a fast, fluid game. England have been slightly slower in those metrics.

Canada are in their first World Cup final since 2014, when they lost to England in Paris. Since the 2022 World Cup, Canada have finished in the top three in WXV1, won the 2024 Pacific Four Series on points difference, and the sevens team took silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Maple Leafs continue to push forward despite funding constraints, relying on Rugby Canada and World Rugby support and a fundraising drive that raised about £530,000. Several players, including captain Alex Tessier and fly-half Taylor Perry, hold contracts with English Premiership clubs, while others balance rugby with day jobs; prop Olivia DeMerchant is a firefighter in Halifax.

Rugby Canada has said the program relies on external funding and partnerships. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said the rise of the Premiership Women's Rugby helps develop Canada's players by exposing them to top-class rugby, and that stronger competition overall is beneficial for the game. He added that if the increased exposure translates into stronger performances for Canada and other unions, the sport benefits.

Shania Twain joined others in sending encouragement on social media, highlighting a broader push to raise the profile of women's rugby in Canada. The final could test England's long unbeaten run and experience against a Canada side that is fast, fit and capable of unorthodox, chaotic play.

Kickoff is scheduled for 16:00 BST, with live coverage on BBC One, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.