Sophie de Goede shines in Canada’s formidable win over Australia

Expansive attacking rugby? Tick. Pick and go tries? Tick. Impressive defence and holding up tries? Tick. This Canada 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.

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 skipper.

Defeat for Australia not only sent them home but it brought a close to the head coach Jo Yapp’s reign. 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 of 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 the last eight match. 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 their brilliant start against England last week, keeping the Red Roses from scoring until the 33rd minute, as poor defence saw Canada 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 of the game against Australia. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

A superb finish from Alysha Corrigan gave Canada the lead after a fast-flowing team move. It was as though every Canadian player could read their teammates’ minds with countless moves seeing fluid rugby unfold 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 former Bristol Bears player Ilona Maher was shown on the screen watching on from the stands just before the rain started to fall. The weather did not take the shine off of Canada’s afternoon with a powerful finish from Fabiola Forteza, a try by Paquin and a penalty kick from the captain Alex Tessier finishing off a one-sided affair.

Canada were formidable, and they not did take their foot off of the gas in the second half. Kévin Rouet’s side have more than enough fire power and tactical nous to book a spot in the final but the Black Ferns will be tipped to march on to Twickenham. One thing is for certain, Friday’s semi-final will be a tight game and the entire world of rugby will be watching.

This report will update