The Womens Rugby World Cup comes down to some potentially thrilling quarterfinals.
New Zealand vs South Africa, Saturday Sept. 13, 8AM ET
Heavily favored, New Zealand comes in with the top two scorers in the World Cup with Braxton Sorense-McGee leading everyone with 38 points and Renee Holmes logging 33.
“There is no next week for us guaranteed," said Black Ferns Captain Ruahei Demant. "That’s the mentality that we are approaching this game with. South Africa are an exciting opposition for us because we haven’t had the chance to play them. In addition to that, they bring a physicality that we haven’t felt yet, so that will be the big challenge for us. We don't get a lot of games each year, and when we do, we're often playing the same teams with Pac[ific] Four, their WXV. So playing teams that a lot of us haven't had the opportunity to come across and learning about their DNA, their strengths and the opportunity. That's the exciting thing about a World Cup and other tournaments that bring all the best teams together.”
South Africa has brought a physical style and new fearless approach that has launched them from also-rans to quarterfinalists. It will be much tougher from here on out, but they have done superbly well.
Canada vs Australia, Saturday, Sept. 13, 11AM ET
Canada is one of the favorites, in our opinion. Sophie de Goede is 3rd in the World Cup in points and Julia Schell is tied for the tournament lead in tries with six. That's right, six tries in three games. Canada has dominated. They are physical up front, but will have their hands full against a very potent Aussie backline.
"I think we've put ourselves in a good position," said captain Alex Tessier, "but [we're] also in a position of pressure. Nonetheless, I think they're a good opposition. Pressure is a privilege and we’re looking forward to a good battle on Saturday."
Alysha Coriggan is also wary of Australia, saying that their 47-7 loss to England showed some significant positied. "I think they nailed their kicking game and have so much speed out wide. They had a good game against England, and we have to be ready for that."
