New Zealand 19-34 Canada AS IT HAPPENED - Women's Rugby World Cup result as the Canucks dethrone the reigning champions to reach the final

Canada booked their place in a second Women's Rugby World Cup final following an impressive 34-19 victory over reigning champions New Zealand on Friday night.

Kevin Rouet's side condemned the Black Ferns to their first defeat at the tournament since 2014, after a dominant display at Ashton Gate in Bristol.

Canada came flying out of the blocks with Justine Pelletier, Asia Hogan-Rochester and Florence Symonds all crossing inside the opening 25 minutes to establish a 17-0 lead.

Tanya Kalounivale stopped the rot and got New Zealand on the scoreboard, but Sophie de Goede went over to restore the Canucks' authority on proceedings heading into the break.

Canada also started the second half brightly, with Alexandra Tessier going over to extend their advantage in the 44th minute.

New Zealand had not lost a Women's Rugby World Cup match in over 4,000 days, and were not going to roll over. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee crossed to move the reigning champions back within two scores with 15 minutes to play.

However, the Canucks held their nerve, and De Goede's penalty six minutes from time was enough to put the tie beyond the Black Ferns.

We have the Merseyside derby to look forward to on Saturday.

Local bragging rights will be up for grabs, as Liverpool and Everton go head-to-head at Anfield.

Although just one place separates the two sides in the world rankings, history certainly favoured New Zealand here.

Six-time Women's Rugby World Cup winners, the Black Ferns had also not lost a match at the tournament since 2014 - the year Canada previously reached the final.

Nevertheless, the Canucks had the measure of New Zealand in recent times, ending a 17-match losing streak by going unbeaten in their last two encounters.

Canada were positive right from the start and opened a commanding 24-7 lead at half-time.

Kevin Rouet's side did not relent after the break either. Aside from a New Zealand surge midway through the half, they maintained their discipline, and the impressive Sophie de Goede kicked the penalty that put the result beyond any doubt.

New Zealand 19-34 Canada

Canada almost finish with a flourish as De Goede leads a charge on the counter.

Running out of steam, she feeds Corrigan, but the latter cannot get the ball under control and knocks on.

The team-mates can afford a smile at least.

New Zealand's long unbeaten run - and quest for a seventh title - is drawing to a close.

But full marks to Canada, this has been an inspired performance.

Canada go in search of a try that would surely put the tie beyond New Zealand.

The Canucks are held up at the line, but earn a penalty right in front of the posts.

De Goede makes no mistake to establish a 15-point lead and, crucially, three scores.

Is that the moment that seals victory?

Remember, New Zealand have not lost a Women's Rugby World Cup match since 2014.

They have 10 minutes to save themselves. A converted try and penalty would force extra-time.

The Black Ferns are right back in this!

Following a lengthy spell of pressure, Demant's cross-kick is collected by Sorensen-McGee, who jinks inside her marker and just about gets the ball down.

She cannot quite convert from a tight angle, but New Zealand are now within two scores of their opponents.

That try has certainly sparked New Zealand into life.

The Black Ferns have their tails up at the moment, enjoying pretty much all of the possession.

We were just praising Canada's discipline, but it will be tested to the maximum in these final 20 minutes.

Hope rekindled for the Black Ferns!

They manage to get themselves up the pitch, with Waaka leading their initial charge.

Following several phases, Mikaele-Tu'u eventually darts for the line, before Sorensen-McGee converts.

The Black Ferns have just over 25 minutes to get themselves back into this contest.

However, as yet, they cannot find a way out of their own territory, with Canada keeping them under pressure.

It has definitely proved crucial for the Black Ferns tonight.

Indeed, they have now conceded six penalties to Canada's zero.

Will the Canucks maintain that discipline and see this out?

The Canucks come flying out of the blocks in this second half!

Canada demonstrate they will not sit back and protect their lead, as they go straight onto the attack.

Tessier spots the gap and drives for the line, with De Goede converting once again.

Canada get us back under way in Bristol!

The Merseyside derby takes centre stage on Saturday.

Liverpool and Everton lock horns at Anfield, where David Moyes is looking to win for the first time.

New Zealand 7-24 Canada

What a try by De Goede!

Out of nowhere, the lock bursts into the gaping hole in the New Zealand defence, and dives under the posts.

She then converts, and moves top of the tournament's scoring charts as a result.