Overview
- The rivals meet Friday at 5:15 pm CDT at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City in a Pacific Four Series rematch of last year’s World Cup semi-final.
- New Zealand kept the same 23 that beat the USA, and an independent panel cleared prop Tanya Kalounivale after her red card was ruled not warranted.
- Canada restore World Rugby Player of the Year Sophie De Goede to start at lock and welcome back Alex Tessier at centre as captain.
- Both teams opened this PAC4 campaign with clear wins, as Canada blanked Australia 24-0 and New Zealand defeated the USA 48-15.
- Canada ended the Black Ferns’ World Cup reign with a 34-19 semi-final win in September 2025, setting the backdrop for today’s rankings swing game.