Expansive attacking rugby? Tick. Pick and go tries? Tick. Impressive defence and holding up tries? Tick. Canada’s performance underlined why they are among the tournament favourites and had everything to set-up a tasty semi-final against the defending champions, New Zealand, on Friday.
The wing Alysha Corrigan was a bright spark, scoring twice, as was Karin Paquin while the dependable Sophie de Goede had another solid outing for the side she used to captain.
Defeat for Australia not only sent them home, but it brought a close to the Jo Yapp’s time as head coach. The former England captain had two years in charge of the team and it is not yet known where she will next coach.
Pyrotechnics welcomed the teams off the bus as well as drums and enthusiastic crowds bobbing and weaving to get a glimpse of the players. One fan was dressed in an inflatable koala outfit with no surprise who they were backing in this quarter-final. Supporters in the stands were interviewed pre-match and some had travelled from Vancouver to support their team and they were rewarded with a dominant and stylish win.
Australia could not live up to a brilliant start against England last week, keeping the Red Roses from scoring until the 33rd minute, as poor defence allowed Canada to spot space and Asia Hogan-Rochester sniped to go over. But they were quick to respond with a sumptuous effort from Desiree Miller, with her sixth of the tournament. In an enthralling opening 10 minutes Canada thought they had edged ahead once more, but it was ruled out because of a knock-on.
Alysha Corrigan scores Canada’s second try against Australia. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA
A superb finish from Corrigan gave Canada the lead after a fast-flowing team move. It was as though every player could read their teammates’ minds with countless moves bringing fluid rugby with Australia unable to answer the questions being asked of them. Tries came from De Goede, Corrigan and McKinley Hunt to put them 31-5 up at the break.
A big cheer rang around Ashton Gate as the former Bristol Bears player Ilona Maher was shown on the screen watching from the stands just before the rain started to fall. The weather did not take the shine off Canada’s afternoon with a powerful finish from Fabiola Forteza, a try by Paquin and a penalty kick from the captain, Alex Tessier, finishing a one-sided affair.
Canada were formidable, and they not did take their foot off of the gas in the second half. They have more than enough firepower and tactical nous to book a spot in the final, but the Black Ferns will be tipped to march on to Twickenham.
This report will update