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Canada coach Rouet only has eyes for World Cup glory after dethroning New Zealand / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP
NYSE - LSE
Canada coach Rouet only has eyes for World Cup glory after dethroning New Zealand
Canada coach Kevin Rouet said only winning the World Cup will do following his side's superb 34-19 semi-final win over double-defending champions New Zealand in Bristol on Friday.
This was Canada's third successive unbeaten match against the six-time world champions, whose last defeat at the global showpiece had come in 2014.
But few pundits forecast such an emphatic win, with Canada 31-7 ahead early in the second half after skipper Alex Tessier scored their fifth try.
Excellent defence then kept New Zealand at bay despite a rally from the Black Ferns but, even in the euphoria of victory, Rouet was looking ahead to next week's clash at Twickenham against either tournament favourites England or France.
"We are hungry as people and we came here to win the World Cup," Rouet told reporters. "We said that if you are not coming to the World Cup to win, then don't come.
"It won't be easy but I'm already excited. I want to be in the final already."
He added: "The first half was exciting for us and in the second half when it was tough, the girls were calm and composed. Sometimes that's something that's missing in our game.
"I was proud to see the way they played then because it won't be a perfect 80 minutes but I liked the fact they were relaxed at that time."
Tessier, meanwhile said that Canada, a semi-professional side who required crowd-funding to finance their World Cup campaign, were mentally ready to become world champions.
Their only previous appearance in the final was a 21-9 loss in 2014 to England, who play their semi-final against France at Bristol's Ashton Gate on Saturday.
"We've graduated from underdogs to dark horses. We'll see what's next when we win the title!" said Tessier. "I'm soaking this win in. It was incredible.
"There was a whirlwind of emotion after the final whistle. I'm super proud of the girls –- we trusted each other and came up with the win."
With an eight-day turnaround before Canada play again, Tessier added: "There's so much will and excitement in this team for the final. We have so much left in the tank."
New Zealand coach Allan Bunting admitted defeat was tough to take.
"Sport is pretty tough sometimes, it can break your heart," he said.
"I'm gutted for our ladies after all the work that went into this. Lots of love for these ladies –- I can't fault their intent and effort."
P.Roux--PS
