Oct 15, 2025, Posted by: Ra'eesa Moosa
When Julia Schell, fly‑half for Rugby Canada posted a 15‑point haul, Canada’s women’s side turned Suncorp Stadium into a personal showcase on May 23, 2025. The final whistle read 45‑7 in favour of the Canadians, a result that not only cemented a flawless 7‑0 record against the Wallaroos but also kept alive the dream of repeating as Pacific Four Series champions.
Match Recap: Canada vs. Australia
From the kickoff, the Canadian fifteen pressed forward with a purpose. Seven different players crossed the line, a testament to depth that many analysts said would be crucial heading into the Rugby World Cup later this year. DaLeaka Menin, the stalwart prop, celebrated her 60th cap amid a sea of cheers, underscoring a career built on consistency.
"The focus was on us this week. Obviously we would have loved that win against New Zealand last weekend, but we had to move on," captain Alex Tessier told reporters. "Friday came quickly but overall I was very proud of the girls today. It was a decent win. We put a lot of points on the board."
Australia’s Wallaroos struggled to find rhythm, forced into a handful of penalties that Canada turned into points. The bonus‑point system – a try‑scoring four‑try threshold – was within reach, and the Canadians secured it with a fifth try late in the second half.
The Dramatic Draw: New Zealand vs. Canada
Just days earlier, a pulsating encounter at the same venue left fans breathless. New Zealand’s Black Ferns and Canada were deadlocked at 27‑27 after a last‑minute try by New Zealand sealed a dramatic draw. World Rugby’s official YouTube highlights, posted on September 15, 2025, captured the tense final minutes: "Canada thought they'd done enough, but a last‑minute try from the Kiwis sealed a dramatic draw."
The match highlighted the fine margins that define the Pacific Four Series. Both sides earned two competition points, but the Black Ferns edged ahead on points‑difference, a factor that would prove pivotal in the final standings.
Bonus‑Point Battle: New Zealand vs. USA
The championship hinge rested on a single showdown the following day: New Zealand versus the United States at North Harbour Stadium, scheduled for an early‑morning 03:35 AM local start. To clinch the title, the Black Ferns needed a bonus‑point victory and a points‑difference exceeding 24 points.
Coach Allan Bunting of New Zealand Rugby emphasized the stakes in a pre‑match briefing: "A win isn’t enough – we have to dominate. The bonus point could be the difference between lifting the Pacific Four trophy and finishing second."
While the match outcome was still pending at the time of Canada’s victory, the scenario illustrated how the Pacific Four Series operates on a delicate balance of wins, draws, and bonus‑point incentives.
Implications for the 2025 Rugby World Cup
Beyond the immediate title chase, every game acted as a rehearsal for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2025. The tournament’s schedule already outlined a Canada‑New Zealand semi‑final and an Australia‑Canada quarter‑final, meaning both nations would meet again on the world stage.
Rugby Canada’s press release on May 23, 2025, made clear the broader picture: "The Canadians will now have to wait to see if the win was enough to retain the PAC4 crown as the outcome will not be known until the conclusion of the match between New Zealand and the USA on May 24." This waiting period underscored how each Pacific Four fixture feeds directly into World Cup preparations.
From a tactical standpoint, Canada’s ability to score across the backline—seven try‑scorers in a single match—signals a versatile attack that could trouble any opponent. Conversely, Australia’s defensive lapses highlighted areas needing urgent attention before they face the Black Ferns later in the year.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Pacific Four Series began in 2021 as a stepping‑stone for the top women’s rugby nations in the Pacific region. Over four editions, the competition has evolved from a simple round‑robin to a complex points‑system that rewards aggressive play. The 2025 edition continued that trend, with bonus points for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or fewer.
Canada’s dominance over Australia—now seven straight wins—reflects a strategic investment in grassroots development, a point highlighted by Rugby Canada’s head coach Sione Fukofuka during a post‑tournament interview. "We’ve built depth over the last decade, and it’s paying off on the biggest stages," he said.
Looking ahead, the final match between New Zealand and the USA will determine the Pacific Four champion. Regardless of the outcome, the series has already delivered a showcase of the growing competitiveness in women’s rugby and set the tone for a World Cup that promises high‑octane action.
Key Facts
- Pacific Four Series 2025 – held May 20‑24, 2025.
- Canada defeated Australia 45‑7 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
- Julia Schell contributed 15 points (1 try, 5 conversions).
- DaLeaka Menin earned her 60th cap for Canada.
- New Zealand needs a bonus‑point win over the USA to clinch the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Canada’s win affect their chances in the Rugby World Cup?
The decisive victory boosts Canada’s confidence and fine‑tunes their attacking patterns ahead of the World Cup. It also secures a bonus point, keeping them in contention for the Pacific Four crown, which will influence seedings and morale going into the tournament later in the year.
What does a bonus point mean in the Pacific Four Series?
Teams earn a bonus point by scoring four or more tries in a match or by losing by seven points or fewer. The extra point can be the difference between first and second place, as seen in the tight race between Canada, New Zealand, and the USA this year.
Why was the draw between New Zealand and Canada described as dramatic?
With the scores level at 27‑27, New Zealand snatched a last‑minute try that erased any chance of a Canadian win. The sudden shift in momentum in the final seconds turned a potential victory into a nail‑biting draw, highlighting the fine line between triumph and stalemate.
Which teams will face each other in the World Cup quarter‑finals based on this series?
The schedule already earmarks a Canada‑New Zealand semi‑final and an Australia‑Canada quarter‑final. The Pacific Four results will shape the exact seedings, but those match‑ups are set, meaning Canada could meet the Black Ferns again on rugby’s biggest stage.
What are the next steps for the Wallaroos after this loss?
Australia will regroup under Rugby Australia and focus on tightening defense before their World Cup fixtures. The loss highlights areas for improvement, especially in set‑piece execution and limiting penalty concessions.
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Comments
Aaron Samarita
Wow, another blockbuster win for Canada-45‑7 looks like a Hollywood script, but the reality is they just bulldozed the Wallaroos. The depth they showed with seven try‑scorers? Pure melodrama. Sure, the Black Ferns still hover over the crown, but this performance deserves a standing ovation. If this is the standard, the upcoming World Cup will be a circus of Canadian dominance.
Author
Ra'eesa Moosa
I am a journalist with a keen interest in covering the intricate details of daily events across Africa. My work focuses on delivering accurate and insightful news reports. Each day, I strive to bring light to the stories that shape our continent's narrative. My passion for digging deeper into issues helps in crafting stories that not only inform but also provoke thought.