Team Canada ‘ready to freaking go’ in rugby world cup final

It’s been a long time since Canada’s women’s rugby team made it to the World Cup final — back in 2014.

That year, Team Canada lost to England 21 to 9.

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Now, Canada is looking for payback, after defeating the defending world cup champions New Zealand on Sept. 19 in the semi-final game, 34 to 19.

England’s Red Roses are the world’s number one ranked team with 32 wins, but Canada’s Maple Leafs are ranked number two in the world and they haven’t lost a game so far this year.

Speaking to The Green Zone’s Jamie Nye and Locker, Regina’s Gabby Senft is the only team member from Saskatchewan. She says she’s ready to hoist the province’s flag at Saturday’s game.

Listen here for the full interview with Gabby Senft:

“I have a lot of fans in Saskatchewan that have signed it (flag) and wroten (sic) some good, wise motivation and love and support,” she said.

She said it’s been a hard fought, calculated effort to get as far as they have this year.

“We had the goal going into the world cup that we were going to reach to the final, so it’s nice that that we took one game by game, and that we’re finally there and we’re ready to freaking go,” she said.

According to a statement from Rugby Canada, “The match on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Allianz Stadium in London has potential to mark one of the greatest days in Canadian sport, reflecting the determination and collective support that has fueled the squad’s historic journey.”

About 80,000 fans are expected to pack the stadium, but Senft said the team is used to playing outside of Canada in venues where they’re not the crowd favourite.

“At least we know that outside of England everyone is cheering for Canada, so hopefully there will be a few more fans ’cause you know the Scots, the Irish – they’ll be cheering for us,” she said.

Celebrities like Russell Crowe, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, and musical group The Tragically Hip, have all sent messages of support.

Senft also played in the World Cup in 2022 when Canada won the bronze medal. She said the last time around the team had less experience.

“Each individual has played for Canada a lot longer, had multiple games under their belt… so us going into the final, we already have that much more experience than we even did last World Cup,” she recalled.

Saturday’s game takes place at 9 a.m. Saskatchewan time on TSN.