Canada 46-5 Australia result - Maple Leafs crush Wallaroos to seal semi-final spot at Women’s Rugby World Cup

Canada blew Australia away with a seven-try domination in the World Cup to confirm their place in the semi-finals.

It was a battle of the tournament underdogs in a bid for a place in the final four and a clash against defending champions New Zealand. 

Both sides came out firing from the off as Asia Hogan-Rochester opened the try-scoring, but the advantage was immediately neutralised by Australia’s Desiree Miller. 

However, that is where Australia’s hopes for a semi-final place ended, as Alysha Corrigan scored twice, followed by tries from Sophie de Goede and McKinley Hunt to put Canada firmly ahead at the break. 

Australia came back, throwing punches in the second half, managing to prevent a number of attempts from Canada, and also making countless thwarted efforts to get back into the match, but their execution held them back. 

As a result, Fabiola Forteza and 38-year-old Karen Paquin were able to extend the Canadian lead in the second half, as captain Alex Tessier slotted a penalty for good measure in the 72nd minute. 

Canada booked their place in the semi-finals against New Zealand, ending Australia’s World Cup campaign, and firmly planting themselves as a threat and the ones to watch out for. 

For the Wallaroos, attentions now turn toward the next World Cup cycle.

Under a new head coach, they will be heading towards a home World Cup in 2029. Between now and then they can start to bridge the performance and funding gap, which has held them back against better invested sides, and make an impact on home soil.

Yapp said: "This team are capable of winning that World Cup. They need that support and investment."

Australia's exit from the tournament also marks the end of Jo Yapp's time as head coach.

In an emotional post-match chat, she shared what it has meant to be in charge of the team at this World Cup.

She said: "We are incredibly disappointed.

"We knew Canada, if we gave them opportunities with the ball, what they are capable of. We saw that in the first half.

"In the second half we tried to throw more punches, and we definitely saw that.

"They are a talented young group of players. It is exciting to see how much they have pushed on. I have loved working with them, they have really welcomed me and my family.

"I will treasure memories forever."

Canadian try-scorer Asia Hogan-Rochester spoke after the match.

On what it feels like to be a semi-finalist, she said: "That sounds amazing. That was definitely the goal today.

"We wanted to play a professional game, but at the same time have some fun. Both things were achieved, so I'm really happy with that.

"It's going to be a lot of fun, just like it was the time before."

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The Season kicks off on September 25, following the end of the Women's World Cup

While there are still two quarter-finals to come on Sunday, for Canada, they proceed to the World Cup semi-finals.

It's a tick in the box for their World Cup campaign, but they will need to bring this same level of intensity against defending champions New Zealand.

It is no mean feat for Rouet's women, but it will be Friday night under the lights, and certainly not one to miss.

And that is a wrap. Australia's efforts are thwarted as the referee calls time on the match.

It is an end to their World Cup as Canada dominated throughout to set up their semi-final against New Zealand.

Tessier waits for the clock to tick down, certain she'll kick it between the post, but it goes into a different time zone...

Australia gain possession to continue play.

Another try for Canada to seal the blow for Australia.

Karen Paquin gets her name on the scoresheet for the first time this match.

She broke from the line following a line-out, charged over 20 metres, and then dived over the line.

Tessier fails to make the conversion, but it doesn't matter.

Sophie de Goede is named player of the match.

Well deserved from the player who has shone throughout this match.

Despite the sun, the effects of the weather continue to wreak havoc, as Australia suffer a handling error and hand over possession.

Yet another attempt goes amiss, you've got to feel for Australia.

Tessier slots the penalty right under the posts to edge ever closer to their semi-finals.

There were boos in the crowd...

From the line-out, Canada come out flying and Australia continue to hold them back, somehow...

Their scrambling desperately to get that seventh try, but after 12 phases, they get a penalty after Australia fall offside.

After winning a scrum, Canada make use of their advantage and push back Australia to within 10 metres.

Can they get their seventh of the match?

Maya Stewart is certainly not leaving this World Cup without a fight, she makes another break, but is completely unsupported.

She is tackled to the ground, and the effort is over as Canada kick the ball back into Australia's half, putting the Wallaroos back under pressure.

Australia go again, as Maya Stewart makes a break but is tackled. While the rain has stopped, the pitch is wet and she slides out of touch.

Another opportunity missed for the Wallaroos.

A try-less 10 minutes for the first time this game just shows how much Australia have clocked in this half.

They are preventing Canada from getting any more points on the scorecard.

Forteza is still the only try this half.

Canada's ruck is insanely strong, undoing all of Australia's hard work within a matter of moments.

Australia have come out storming after Canada's last try, as they go wide from another scrum, but a handling error, causes them to lose possession.

That was their chance.

Australia are able to push Canada in their 22 after executing a well-used shortened line-out.

From the scrum, they make their move and are in touching distance of the try-line, but Canada block them.