Canada are full of belief they can end New Zealand’s bid for a third successive Women’s Rugby World Cup title in the semi-finals on Friday, with France taking on England in the other last-four clash this weekend.

The top four in the world rankings unsurprisingly make up the semi-final line-up in Bristol.

New Zealand have beaten England in five of the last six World Cup finals and haven’t lost a match in the tournament since 2014 — the year England last lifted the trophy by defeating Canada in the showpiece match in Paris.

But it is Canada, not New Zealand, who are second in the world rankings behind tournament favourites and hosts England.

Canada are also unbeaten in their last two games against the Black Ferns after a thrilling 27-27 draw during the Pacific Four series in Christchurch

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