Can Canada Upset England in the World Cup Final? Discover What Makes Them Great!

In a thrilling culmination to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Canada faces England in the final, with both teams boasting impressive records and skill sets. While England holds the title of world number one and has remained unbeaten for over 32 matches, Canada’s recent victory over New Zealand has marked them as formidable contenders. This match not only promises high stakes but also reflects the evolving dynamics of women's rugby on the global stage.

Last updated: 26 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Women's Rugby World Cup Final

• England are the reigning champions and number one in the world rankings.
• Canada recently defeated New Zealand, showcasing their potential to upset the favourites.
• Both teams have contrasting styles but share an unbeaten streak in the current tournament.
• Financial backing and player development are crucial for the growth of Canadian rugby.
• The final represents a critical moment for women's rugby and its future visibility.

The Build-Up to the Final

The Rugby World Cup final is set to take place at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London, on Saturday, 27 September, with a kick-off at 16:00 BST. This highly anticipated match pits England against Canada, two teams with rich histories in rugby but with very different trajectories leading to this final.

England: The Unbeaten Giants

England's team, known as the Red Roses, heads into the final as the clear favourite. They have been dominant in the tournament, winning each of their matches convincingly. Their unbeaten streak of 32 matches speaks volumes about their consistency, skill, and experience on the pitch. However, despite this impressive record, they cannot afford to underestimate Canada.

Canada: The Rising Contender

Canada's performance in the semi-finals was nothing short of sensational, as they defeated the defending champions, New Zealand, with a score of 34-19. Leading 24-7 at half-time, they demonstrated a level of skill and strategy that caught many by surprise. This victory has not only boosted their confidence but also shifted perceptions regarding their capability to challenge England.

Style of Play: Canada’s Fast and Fluid Approach

One of the standout features of Canada’s game is their quick ruck speed. According to former England flanker Maggie Alphonsi, their ability to recycle the ball rapidly—often within two seconds—enables them to maintain momentum and create chaos in opposition defences. This fast-paced style has led them to produce the second-most clean breaks and offloads in the tournament, highlighting their aggressive and unpredictable attacking strategy.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Both Teams

While England is known for their structured play and tactical discipline, Canada thrives on creating unpredictability and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Here’s a quick comparison:

• England: Tactical discipline, strong forward pack, experienced in high-pressure situations.
• Canada: Fast ruck speeds, unpredictability, high clean break and offload rates.

Historical Context and Previous Encounters

England and Canada have faced each other a total of 37 times. England has won 33 of those encounters, with Canada claiming victory only three times, and there being one draw at the 2014 World Cup. However, the dynamics of their last encounter in 2024, where Canada was arguably the more dominant side despite losing 21-12, indicate that they have the potential to challenge England effectively.

The Impact of Funding and Development

While England benefits from a fully professional setup, Canada has faced significant funding challenges. Their recent crowdfunding campaign, which raised £530,000 under the title 'Mission: Win Rugby World Cup', reflects their determination to overcome financial barriers. Such initiatives are vital, especially considering that many players maintain day jobs alongside their rugby commitments, like prop Olivia DeMerchant, who works as a firefighter.

The Role of Women’s Rugby in Canada

Despite the challenges, Canada’s rugby scene has been thriving. The national team has made significant strides since the last World Cup. Their performance in international competitions such as the WXV1 tournament and the Pacific Four Series showcases a growing depth and talent pool. Many players, including those like captain Alex Tessier and fly-half Taylor Perry, have also gained valuable experience playing in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) league in England, elevating their game further.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Women’s Rugby

The final represents not just a chance for Canada to claim their first World Cup title but also an opportunity to inspire the next generation of female rugby players. The attention and excitement surrounding this match could have lasting implications for the sport in Canada and beyond. Former coach Lesley McKenzie believes that the final will significantly impact the visibility of women’s rugby and help foster growth in the sport.

Conclusion: A Final with High Stakes

As the countdown to the final continues, both teams are preparing for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. England enters as the favourite, but Canada’s remarkable journey suggests that they are more than capable of pulling off an upset. The match will be a showcase of skill, strategy, and the evolving landscape of women’s rugby.

Will Canada manage to dethrone the reigning champions, or will England continue their dominance? Only time will tell as the teams prepare to face off in what could be a historic final.

#WomensRugbyWorldCup #EnglandVsCanada #RugbyFinal2023

FAQs

What is the significance of the Women's Rugby World Cup final?

The Women's Rugby World Cup final is a prestigious event that showcases the top teams in women's rugby, providing a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills and for the sport to gain greater visibility and support.

How has Canada performed leading up to the final?

Canada has shown remarkable performance in the tournament, defeating Australia and New Zealand convincingly and maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the competition.

What are the main differences between England and Canada's playing styles?

England typically employs a structured and tactical approach, while Canada plays a fast-paced, unpredictable game, focusing on quick ruck speeds and offloads to create scoring opportunities.

How important is funding for women's rugby in Canada?

Funding is crucial for the development of women's rugby in Canada, as many players juggle rugby with other jobs. Initiatives like crowdfunding campaigns help bridge financial gaps and support their training and development.

What impact could this final have on women's rugby in Canada?

This final could inspire a new generation of rugby players in Canada and increase the sport's visibility, potentially leading to greater investment and support for women's rugby at all levels.