By Lucy Thomson in Bristol
Alana Bremner of New Zealand with fans. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns v Canada - Rugby World Cup semi-final
Kick-off: 6am Saturday 20 September NZT
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
A day out from the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Canada, supporters from across England and further afield are flocking to Bristol to get behind their team.
More than 300,000 fans have attended the tournament so far, with another 50,000 expected across both semifinals at Ashton Gate Stadium this weekend.
Black Ferns fans in the UK. Photo: www.photosport.nz
"I'm really looking forward to having a world semifinal on our doorstep and be able to show some support for the Black Ferns girls when they're playing so far away from home," said expat Kiwi Frances Heslop, who has been living in Bristol for the past 18 months.
"Going to a rugby game has been part of staying connected with New Zealand and New Zealand culture for me while I've been living overseas, and on top of that going along to see the Black Ferns, it just feels like it's such a great and fun opportunity to be part of the surge in support of our female athletes."
Heslop is heading to the match with a group of friends, including fellow Kiwi Jack Paulin, who is attending a women's rugby match for the first time.
"I've been to plenty of men's games but never been to a women's game. To see New Zealand in a semifinal at the World Cup is an opportunity too good to pass up," Paulin said.
He is not alone. Around 35 percent of ticket holders at the tournament so far are attending a women's professional rugby match for the first time.
Black Ferns fans. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Support is also extending beyond the stadiums: in London, a festival-style fan zone has been set up with match-day entertainment and live screenings, while in New Zealand, 68-Test former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge has organised fan zones in Auckland and Christchurch for supporters to gather and watch.
Even A-list celebrity support has emerged, with singer Shania Twain throwing her support behind the tournament and the Canadians.
"I'll be cheering for you all on Friday!! Let's go girls," she posted on social media.
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