Best Head-to-Head Matchups in the Women’s World Cup Semis and Pacific Nations Cup

With World Cup dreams on the line and silverware within reach, this weekend promises some of the most intense and emotional rugby of the year.

From experienced leaders carrying the weight of their nations to emerging stars stepping into the spotlight, every position on the field will feature players with something to prove.

The Women’s World Cup semi-finals will see Canada face New Zealand on Friday night and then hosts England will play France on Saturday afternoon.

Also on the agenda is the Pacific Nations Cup final between Japan and Fiji, as well as the third-place play-off between Tonga and Canada.

Here are some of the key matchups you need to look out for in these games.

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Sophie de Goede vs Alana Bremner

Sophie de Goede and Alana Bremner bring different strengths, but both carry immense responsibility for their teams.

De Goede has been phenomenal this tournament, leading in carries, offloads, lineout takes and even try assists among forwards.

She’s a rock at the heart of Canada’s engine room.

Bremner plays with tireless energy, often the first to a breakdown and always in support. She may not have the same numbers, but her influence is just as critical.

Both players are quiet leaders who do the hard work without needing the spotlight. Their head-to-head could shape the battle at the breakdown and beyond.

Julia Schell vs Renee Holmes

This is a fascinating clash between two smart, composed fullbacks. Julia Schell has grown into her role with Canada, offering strong support lines, clever kicking and great communication at the back.

For context about how good Schell can be, she scored six tries in one game in Canada’s opening win against Fiji.

Renee Holmes has been a steady force for New Zealand, combining cool decision-making with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

Schell will look to control territory, while Holmes is more dangerous when the game breaks open.

With both teams playing quick ruck ball, any loose kick or broken play could become a turning point.

Natasha Hunt vs Pauline Bourdon Sansus

Natasha Hunt is the calm conductor at the heart of England’s machine. Her control at the base and accurate kicks have been vital, and she leads the tournament with seven try assists.

Pauline Bourdon Sansus is pure instinct.

She darts, jinks and brings unpredictable energy every time she touches the ball.

Where Hunt keeps things steady, Bourdon Sansus creates chaos.

They’ll each want to control the tempo, and whichever nine can get their pack on the front foot could tilt the whole match.

This isn’t just a battle of skill. It’s structure against flair, and it should be brilliant to watch.

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Megan Jones vs Gabrielle Vernier

Megan Jones plays with flair and confidence.

She has a quick step, great vision and doesn’t need much space to cause trouble.

Gabrielle Vernier is one of the most consistent centres in the world. She defends well, picks perfect running lines and already has six tries this tournament.

Jones loves to break structure and go off-script. Vernier thrives within it.

They’ll each be looking to test the other’s defensive reads, and with both sides boasting strong ball carriers, this midfield matchup will be key to creating space out wide.

Charlie Lawrence vs Kalaveti Ravouvou

Charlie Lawrence is all about control.

He defends well, talks constantly and does the little things that help Canada stay organised. Kalaveti Ravouvou is the complete opposite in style.

He’s electric with the ball, constantly looking to break tackles and flick offloads out of nowhere. It’s not flashy versus boring — it’s chaos against calm.

Lawrence will try to shut down Ravouvou early and keep shape in the midfield.

Ravouvou will want to stretch the line and break it open. Whoever wins that little battle could decide whether this game turns into a tactical fight or a Fijian free-for-all.

Ben Tameifuna vs Calixto Martinez

Ben Tameifuna has seen it all. A giant of the game, he brings raw power, experience and a bit of personality too.

He’s been Tonga’s anchor for years and still relishes every scrum.

Across from him is Calixto Martinez, a Canadian loosehead who at 28 years old, is reaching his prime. Martinez is more technical than explosive, but he’s held his own against big names this tournament.

This is the kind of matchup that means everything to front-rowers.

One player with a lot to prove, the other looking to leave one more mark. It’s strength versus precision, and it’ll be felt in every collision.

READ MORE: Weekend Talking Points: Women’s World Cup semi-finals set to bring drama