Triumphant Canadian Rugby Union Team Stuns Black Ferns in Historic Upset
In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, the Canadian women’s rugby union team achieved a historic 22-19 victory over the reigning world champions, the New Zealand Black Ferns, in Christchurch on Sunday. The win marks a significant milestone for the Canadian squad, who had never before defeated the formidable Black Ferns in 17 previous meetings.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Ahead of the match, head coach Kevin Rouet presented his team with a test designed to measure their preparedness for unexpected events on the pitch. The Canadian players’ impressive performance in this assessment instilled confidence in their ability to upset the world champions, despite the daunting task that lay ahead.
Emerging Star Fancy Bermudez
Fancy Bermudez, the 21-year-old winger, emerged as a pivotal figure in Canada’s triumph, scoring two tries in her tenth international appearance. Reflecting on the momentous victory, Bermudez expressed the overwhelming response from former players and supporters, stating, “It’s massive for the girls to beat the Black Ferns.”
Resilience and Composure
The Canadians faced an early deficit, trailing 14-3 in the first half, but their resilience and composure proved crucial. “We knew if we stayed calm and collected, we could get some momentum,” Bermudez explained. Her tries were the result of powerful forward drives, assisted by the efforts of Sophie de Goode.
Defensive Fortitude
Canada’s defensive fortitude was on full display, with the team recording an astonishing 248 tackles (some sources report 227), with 14 players registering over ten tackles each. De Goede, Pamphinette Buisa, and Emily Tuttosi led the charge, showcasing the team’s unwavering commitment to halting the Black Ferns’ offensive threats.
“We’ve put a lot of focus on defence on this tour,” Bermudez said. “Tackling is about the will to fight, fitness and patience. To hear those tackle stats is crazy and makes me proud.”
Strategic Advantages
The Canadian squad’s superior kicking game, sturdy lineout drive, stable scrum, and efficient possession management proved crucial in unsettling the Black Ferns. Loosehead prop McKinley Hunt and tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin excelled, with Menin being named the Player of the Match.
A Historic Milestone
The historic victory has propelled Canada to the second spot in the official world rankings, their best position since 2016. Earlier in the Pacific Four Series, the Canadians had already impressed with dominant wins over the USA (50-7) and Australia (33-14), with de Goede’s standout performances.
Head coach Kevin Rouet’s strategic changes, including aligning the Sevens program with the fifteens team, have been instrumental in the team’s development. “We have a collaborative environment where lots of other coaches come in and share ideas,” Bermudez said.
The triumph over the Black Ferns is one of the greatest achievements in Canadian rugby union history, rivaling the team’s previous victories against England in 2013 and 2016. Bermudez, who will soon rejoin the Sevens squad for the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid, expressed the immense satisfaction of seeing the team’s hard work come to fruition.
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