LONDON — The Canadian women's rugby team is set to face England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. The match features the No. 2-ranked Canadian team against the top-ranked English team, with 82,000 fans in attendance.

Canada is looking to overcome a significant challenge after a strong tournament run. The team scored first, with Asia Hogan-Rochester crossing the try line just five minutes into the game, giving Canada an early 5-0 lead. However, England quickly responded, scoring less than two minutes later to take a 7-5 lead.

As the match progressed, England continued to dominate. By halftime, Canada found itself trailing 21-8. The Canadian team struggled to maintain possession and defend against England's aggressive play.

In the second half, England extended its lead with another try, making the score 26-13 after Canada managed to score again. Canada missed the conversion, highlighting the need for more scoring opportunities to close the gap.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with a significant majority of fans supporting England. Canadian supporters, though outnumbered, made their presence known with cheers and Canadian flags. Brenda McKenzie, a former Canadian player from the 1991 World Cup, traveled to England to support her team.

The Canadian team has shown resilience throughout the tournament, but they face a formidable opponent in England, which has not lost in 32 matches. The Red Roses have a historic winning streak, including 48 consecutive home wins dating back to November 2016.

Former players and fans are hopeful for a strong performance from the current squad. Colette McAuley, a former assistant coach, expressed her excitement about the team's growth since their last final appearance in 2014. "He just really believed in their abilities, and that belief turned into confidence," she said.

As the match unfolds, the Canadian team aims to harness its fast-paced play and capitalize on scoring opportunities to challenge England's dominance. The stakes are high, and the outcome could mark a significant moment in Canadian rugby history.