Breaking down the Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals

The GIST: After nearly a month full of tackles and dazzling offloads, the Women’s Rugby World Cup has reached the semifinals. Four unbeaten powerhouses, two epic clashes, and tickets to a history-making championship are on the line? Ruck yeah.

🇨🇦 No. 2 Canada vs. 🇳🇿 No. 3 New Zealand — Today at 2 p.m. ET: The self-sufficient Canucks are hoping to return to the World Cup final for the first time since 2014, when they ultimately lost to England. A second-ever championship appearance just might be in the cards considering this is the best team Canada has ever assembled, led by Jill-of-all-trades lock Sophie de Goede.

• Standing in their way are the six-time champion Black Ferns. Known for peaking at the perfect time, New Zealand haven’t lost a World Cup game since 2014, and legendary left wing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will do her darndest to keep it that way.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 No. 1 England vs. 🇫🇷 No. 4 France — Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. ET: Forget the Hundred Years’ War, this is about to be the ultimate battle between the nations. England’s on a mind-boggling 31-match win streak, an unprecedented feat in both women’s and men’s rugby, and will be boosted by the return of World Player of the Year and full back Ellie Kildunne.

• That said, one team has come exceptionally close to snapping the Red Roses’ run: France, who lost to England by one point in April. Led by scrum half Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Les Bleues showcased their grit in a comeback quarter-final win. Now, they’re dressing for revenge.