The Pacific Four moves to Kansas City on Friday. Two of the world’s best teams collide in the first match of the double-header. Canada delivered an historic performance to shut New Zealand out of the World Cup Final last fall. The Black Ferns will have that result top of mind as they try to reverse the trend of recent clashes against the Maple Leafs.
| FORM GUIDE |
Current World Ranking: 2 (91.53 points)
2026-04-11 – Canada 24, Australia 0 (Sacramento)
2025-09-27 – England 33, Canada 13 (London)
2025-09-19 – Canada 34, New Zealand 19 (Bristol)
2025-09-13 – Canada 46, Australia 5 (Bristol)
2025-09-06 – Scotland 19, Canada 40 (Exeter)
Current World Ranking: 3 (89.85 points)
2026-04-11 – USA 15, New Zealand 48 (Sacramento)
2025-09-27 – France 26, New Zealand 42 (London)
2025-09-19 – Canada 34, New Zealand 19 (Bristol)
2025-09-13 – New Zealand 46, South Africa 17 (Exeter)
2025-09-07 – Ireland 0, New Zealand 40 (Brighton)
| STARTING LINEUP CHANGES |
|
IN | OUT |
| 4 | Sophie de Goede | Pamphinette Buisa |
| 12 | Alex Tessier | Chloe Daniels |
|
IN | OUT |
| n/a | n/a |
| NOTES |
- after a run of 17 consecutive defeats against New Zealand, Canada turned the tide in 2024 and repeated that success last year, with a draw in between
- the only two changes for Canada’s starters are both notable… captain Alex Tessier is back in the midfield after missing the Australia match, with Claire Gallagher switching to fullback
- World Rugby Player of the Year Sophie de Goede comes into the second row with Julia Omokhuale switching to the flank… de Goede has only recently returned to action after having further repairs on a troublesome knee injury
- Queen’s University star Lizzie Gibson is set to debut as a replacement after impressing with the national u23 side… Gibson shares a unique skill with de Goede… the back row forward is also a talented goal kicker and her school’s all-time leading points scorer
- further changes to the bench see recalls for prop duo Maya Montiel and Cassandra Tuffnail, both of whom play their club rugby for Ealing Trailfinders in England
- New Zealand have made no changes to their run-on side, and only one in the 23… Maddison Robinson takes over from Awhina Tangen-Wainohu as reserve loosehead prop
- reserve tighthead Tanya Kalounivale was cleared by a disciplinary committee during the week after receiving a red card against the USA for a dangerous clearout
- Canada has 8 returning starters from the Semi Final in Bristol, while New Zealand has 9… both teams are missing key players currently committed to the World Sevens circuit
| QUOTES |
Kévin Rouet (Head Coach)
“For many reasons the game against New Zealand at the last World Cup was a lot of fun, it was a big moment for our team and for rugby in Canada. We respect the history of the Black Ferns and the success they have sustained for decades and that’s why it’s important for us to continue to showcase that Canada can also be a strong rugby country and that what we have built is sustainable.”
Whitney Hansen (Head Coach)
“Our focus is on us and the upcoming opportunity to refine our rugby identity. We know Canada are a physical and accurate side, and we’re looking forward to matching the intensity to put on a consistent, disciplined performance we can be proud of. Both teams are coming off the back of growing performances, so fans in the USA and back home can expect an entertaining contest.”
| PREDICTION |
The weather gods delayed Canada’s kickoff in California, and again look to be angry in Missouri. Rain with a risk of thunderstorms is on the forecast. The scrum is a source of pride for the Maple Leafs but the Black Ferns are a step up from the Wallaroos in that category. Tessier’s return is a psychological boost for a team that has overcome their fear of playing New Zealand. Canada are slight favorites in Kansas City.
| TEAMS |
CANADA
1 Brittany Kassil, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Sophie de Goede, 5 Laetitia Royer, 6 Gabrielle Senft, 7 Julia Omokhuale, 8 Fabiola Forteza, 9 Justine Pelletier, 10 Taylor Perry, 11 Aurora Bowie, 12 Alex Tessier (capt.), 13 Shoshanah Seumanutafa, 14 Asia Hogan-Rochester, 15 Claire Gallagher
Replacements: 16 Kiki Idowu, 17 Maya Montiel, 18 Cassandra Tuffnail, 19 Rachel Smith, 20 Pamphinette Buisa, 21 Lizzie Gibson, 22 Corinne Frechette, 23 Chloe Daniels
NEW ZEALAND
1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4 Maia Roos, 5 Laura Bayfield, 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt.), 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9 Maia Joseph, 10 Ruahei Demant (co-capt.), 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 13 Amy du Plessis, 14 Mererangi Paul, 15 Renee Holmes
Replacements: 16 Vici-Rose Green, 17 Maddison Robinson, 18 Tanya Kalounivale, 19 Ma’ama Vaipulu, 20 Mia Anderson, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Hannah King, 23 Justine McGregor
| MATCH INFO |
Date: Friday, April 17
Venue: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City
Kickoff: 17:15 local (15:15 Pacific, 18:15 Eastern, Saturday 10:15 New Zealand)
Weather Forecast: rain, 68°F (20°C), wind W 6-8mph (9-13km/h)
Broadcasts: TSN 2 (Canada), Paramount+ (USA), RugbyPass TV
| OFFICIALS |
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
Assistants: Amelia Luciano (USA) & Lindsey Oliver (USA)
TMO: Derek Summers (USA)
| HISTORY |
HEAD-TO-HEAD (20): New Zealand 17, Canada 2, Draw 1
2025-09-19 – Canada 34, New Zealand 19 (Bristol)
2025-05-17 – New Zealand 27, Canada 27 (Christchurch)
2024-05-19 – New Zealand 19, Canada 22 (Christchurch)
2023-07-08 – Canada 21, New Zealand 52 (Ottawa)
2022-06-12 – New Zealand 28, Canada 0 (Auckland)
2019-06-28 – Canada 20, New Zealand 35 (Chula Vista)
2017-08-17 – Canada 5, New Zealand 48 (Dublin)
2017-06-09 – New Zealand 28, Canada 16 (Wellington)
2016-11-23 – Canada 10, New Zealand 20 (Dublin)
2015-06-27 – Canada 22, New Zealand 40 (Calgary)
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