Australia have defied injuries to Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan to take a 24-17 win over Canada.
Their 19-0 lead was under threat late before Demi Hayes’ late try capped off the win and booked a trans-Tasman final with New Zealand (8:11 pm local time).
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The Australians were down their two strike weapons as Levi (thumb) and Nathan (concussion) did not suit up for the semi final.
Both picked up injuries during the quarter-final win over Japan, with Nathan noticeably rattled after an early hit.
It led to Kahli Henwood and Heidi Dennis to start as the understrength Aussies started strong, who proved pivotal to the win.
Demi Hayes got the opener after the former captain sprinted down the sideline for the opener after a great offload from Teagan Levi.
Dennis then stepped up to extend the lead, fending off her opposite number to cross for her first try of the weekend after Henwood won the restart.
Henwood’s excellent first half continued after switching inside for an easy five-pointer under the posts for a 19-0 lead at the break.
Canada mounted a comeback after the break, with Shoshanah Seumanutafa crossing a minute into the second half.
Asia Hogan-Rochester scored three minutes later to give Canada hope of a comeback.
It kept the visitors inspired as Carmer Izyk’s try in the final minute set up a grandstand finish.
But Henwood and Hayes delivered the dagger, with Henwood collecting the kickoff and racing 60 metres before popping up to the former captain to seal the game.
"We're positive about that win," Henwood said post-match.
"They fought back into the game the second half but I think we showed we could take it into that final 14th minute with 11 players, it's a true credit to the team we are to do it without Maddi and Faith.
"We took it in the moment when we got the news and we came together as a group to get together and push through and take this win for them."
