Another dropped ball by Canada. They do look dangerous and are playing very fast, but the world champions look calm in defence and are competing hard at the breakdown.

Feels like a good game is brewing.

Anna Caplice
Former Ireland international on BBC Two

Good evening and what a start we've had already. Every second person has had a different prediction on this game all week. It's going to be an absolute firecracker. Hold on to your hats.

The hits are absolutely mega. Fabiola Forteza put in a huge tackle on Stacey Waaka. Canada then mess up a clearance kick.

Canada swing the ball wide and make good metres before dropping the ball. Expected early nerves.

We are under way at a packed Ashton Gate. It is bouncing. A spot in the World Cup final is up for grabs.

Nigel Owens
2015 Men's World Cup final referee on BBC Two

When I was refereeing a lot of people said the less we hear from you the better, let's hope it's the same today.

Let's hope the game flows and the game is the winner at the end of the day.

Mike Henson
BBC Sport at Ashton Gate

You could hear every slap and spit of that haka at Ashton Gate.

Pin-drop silence as the crowd drank it in.

Challenge accepted by Canada.

Here comes the haka. Ultra focus from both sets of players.

Image source, Getty Images

Lesley McKenzie
Former Canada international and current Japan head coach on BBC Two

I think back to the last time these two played each other. The first 20 minutes were feverish.

If the teams are tied at full time the match will go into sudden death extra time.

There are two halves of 10 minutes allocated and the first team to score any points will win the match.

If there is still no winner after the sudden death period, a kicking competition involving five players from each side will take place.

Ruby Tui
New Zealand World Cup winner on BBC Two

New Zealand are lethal at a World Cup. This is the strongest 23 we've had in years.

Tonight is the one. It will bring us smiles, tears and heartbreak.

The widest of smiles from the New Zealand team as they sing their national anthem. They are born for this stage. Their record is 42 World Cup games, 40 wins.

Image source, Getty Images

Katy Daley-Mclean
England's 2014 World Cup winning captain on BBC Two

This will definitely be the game of the tournament. It could go on to be one of the greatest games in women's rugby.

Ruby Tui
New Zealand World Cup winner on BBC Two

Neither team will want to give an inch. Both will want to be the most physical, the most dominant.

New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting: "What a Test match for women's rugby. It's been an amazing World Cup. We know what this game means. We need to go up another level.

"The squad we've got now we've been building for a while. The breakdown is going to be key.

"Our coaches have been doing a good job. We really believe in our game and are looking forward to this challenge today."

Ever seen a sweeter strike from a second row?

In August 2000, Australia lock John Eales nailed a late penalty kick to earn victory against New Zealand in Wellington and ensure the Wallabies retained the Bledisloe Cup.

The probability of another second row emulating Eales' feat and winning a crucial match against New Zealand has always seemed unlikely, but that could change.

Canada lock Sophie de Goede is a fine kicker, nailing 17 conversions so far in this year's World Cup - the most in the tournament.

"I know it doesn't make sense for traditional rugby people, but I grew up playing fly-half because both my parents played rugby, which is not common in Canada," she said.

"I eventually grew into my body and got moved forward. I love kicking and find it cathartic to go out kicking by myself, and so I just kept up with it as I enjoyed it.

"I get people in the stands saying 'I am a forward and kick too' and I love watching you."

Image source, Getty Images

Talk about being evenly matched...

Canada beat New Zealand for the first time in their history in May 2024, prevailing 22-19 in Christchurch, before following that win up with a 27-27 draw in their most recent meeting four months ago.

"We have shown over the past two years that we are one of the best teams in the world, and our last two results against New Zealand support that," said head coach Kevin Rouet. "We have every reason to believe that we can win this game."

Image source, Getty Images

Teenage wing Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored hat-tricks in pool-stage victories over Ireland and Japan.

The 18-year-old then scored twice against South Africa to miss on a third straight hat-trick.

Not a normal 18-year-old. Expect more tries, she is lethal.