Canada Finish Pacific Four Tournament with Win Over Australia: Claim 2nd in Tournament
It was a good snapshot of where Canada are now with the World Cup in the fall. They’re ranked 4th which is a pretty accurate evaluation. England look favourites to win the World Cup, New Zealand are trying to close the gap and they were the class of this tournament. France defeated NZ twice last fall in France.
Canada are in a pool with USA, Italy and Japan. Japan just recently defeated Australia as well.
Canada’s style of play this tournament and this game was heavily forward focused. The maul was their primary weapon, followed by pick and go when inside the 22. The backline play was fairly weak. The commentators in the match noted Australia chose to kick the ball down the centre of the field in this match, whereas when playing NZ they chose to kick to the sideline. That would be the scouting report on Canada, give the ball to the back three in their territory and wait for them to make mistakes. The kicking game is weak as well. Backline play is an area they will have to address if Canada are to challenge for a top 3 placing at the World Cup.
Sophie de Goede was again Player of the Match, and the forwards as a unit had a good match.
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Senior Womens 15s concluded their Pacific Four Series campaign with a come-from-behind 22-10 victory over Australia at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand. The win ensured Kevin Rouets side finished the tournament in second place in the standings.
?An early flurry of points from Australia, thanks to an Ashley Marsters try as well as a Lori Cramer conversion and successful penalty kick, were followed by Canadian tries from Emily Tuttosi, Justine Pelletier and Alex Ellis along with two conversions and a penalty kick by captain Sophie De Goede.
In rainy conditions, Australias early, fourth-minute lead came as a result of a kick in behind the Canada defensive line, which Marsters capitalized on to go over. Cramers conversion was successful, ensuring the Wallaroos went up 7-0.
The Australian scoring continued in the 13th minute as they were awarded with a penalty which Cramer dispatched between the posts to extend their advantage to 10-0.
Despite those early setbacks, Canada were able to respond with a period of sustained pressure. A knock on deep inside Australian territory, a strong defensive stand by the Wallaroos and a disallowed try after video review were all that stood between them and getting points on the board.
A well-deserved breakthrough finally came in the 39th minute when Tuttosi collected the ball from a maul following a lineout to claim Canadas opening try, cutting Australias lead to three points just before the half after De Goede was also successful with the conversion.
After the break, Canadas captain cleverly detached from a scrum and the play resulted in Pelletier going over to give them their first lead of the match. De Goedes successful penalty conversion from close range in the 64th minute then widened the Canadian advantage.
Australia were down a player for the final minutes of the match after Madison Schuck was shown a yellow card. Canada capitalized on their numerical advantage as, two minutes from time, an Alex Ellis try from close quarters and another successful De Goede conversion completed the scoring.
First, I just want to say massive credit to Australia, De Goede, who won her second Player of the Match at the tournament, said following the match. Especially in this rain, that was super physical and they came out swinging.
They definitely threw the first punch but Im happy with how we responded to that. I think getting a try right before the half was big for us. Then I thought we executed pretty well down the stretch and stayed calm under pressure which is something weve been working on a lot so Im really happy with how we finished it off.
*Canada Name Squad to Face Australia: Kickoff Friday 6:30pm PT*
There are a few changes in the squad from last week, Pam Buisa moves from blindside to openside and Gabby Senft gets the start at blindside flanker. In the second row Abby Duguid gets the start, with Courtney Holtkamp out. A change at scrum half with Justine Pelletier getting the start. On the wing Alysha Corrigan gets the start.
Canada will look to make less handling errors this match and show some ability to advance the ball through the backline. Last week the players flying in from the UK, particularly the normally dominant front row players Menin and Tuttosi, didn’t look fully acclimatized so the extra week in camp should see an improved performance.
It’s an important match for Canada to establish their place as a top 4 team going into the World Cup.
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Senior Womens 15s roster has been named for the teams third and final Pacific Four Series fixture against No. 8-ranked Australia.
?Head Coach Kevin Rouets side will take on the Wallaroos at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand at 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, June 18 (9:30 p.m. Eastern / 6:30 p.m. Pacific on Friday, June 17).
Canadas Womens 15s, whose official team partner is NFP, go into the match on the back of a convincing 36-5 victory over the USA and a 28-0 defeat to host nation New Zealand in their first two fixtures.
Canada hold a 3-0 record versus Australia with a combined score of 110-17, meeting last at the 2017 Rugby World Cup.
Against Australia, Justine Pelletier will come into the lineup at scrum half, while Abby Duguid, Gabrielle Senft and Alysha Corrigan are handed their first starts of the tournament. Taylor Perry will earn her tenth cap for the national team.
Sophie De Goede will continue to captain the side against the Wallaroos, while Courtney Holtkamp misses out due to injury.
Were really looking forward to facing Australia this weekend, said Rouet. This tournament has provided a great opportunity to get more preparation time together and quality matches. This final match will be another chance to test ourselves as we build towards the World Cup. We expect it will be a highly competitive game and we are ready to end this series on a high note.
Canada currently sit second in the Pacific Four Series standings, behind New Zealand.
WHERE TO WATCH
?Fans in Canada can watch the match against Australia live on TSN.ca or the TSN App with an encore presentation set to air on TSN 4 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Pacific on Saturday.
Other fans around the world are encouraged to check the World Rugby website to see if their live stream is available in your location.
CANADAS SENIOR WOMENS 15s MATCH DAY ROSTER vs AUSTRALIA
1. Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC
2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets/Exeter Chiefs
3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Exeter Chiefs
4. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan RFC
5. Abby Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – University of Lethbridge/Loughborough Lightning
6. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers RFC
7. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
8. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers RFC
9. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec/Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais
10. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
11. Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Westshore RFC/Worcester Warriors
12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
13. Sara Kaljuvee (Ajax, ON) – Toronto Scottish
14. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC/Saracens
15. Elissa Alarie (Trois-Rivières, QC) – Westshore RFC/SABRFC/Braves de TR
FINISHERS
?16. Laura Russell (Bolton, ON) – Cowichan RFC/Toronto Nomads
17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Redcoats
18. Alex Ellis (Ottawa, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish/Saracens
19. Emma Taylor (Scotsburn, NS) – HRFC / London Saracens
20. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians/Exeter Chiefs
21. Sara Svoboda (Belleville, ON) – Brantford Harlequins/Belleville Bulldogs/Loughborough Lightning
22. Brianna Miller (Pointe-Claire, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
23. Maddy Grant (Cornwall, ON) University of Ottawa
*Canada Get a Wake Up Call in 28-0 Loss to New Zealand*
The power of positive thinking only gets you so far. The Canadian women may have thought they were on par with New Zealand but got a wake up call in this match. They have a ways to go in improving their game before that’s going to be a reality.
The only way Canada threatened to score against NZ was through the forwards, and it almost happened in a driving maul. The replay shows the maul was illegally taken down, so Canada should have had at least one score. The problem is that Canada’s backline never came close to threatening a score. Even in Canada’s first match against USA it was only near the end of the match that Canada got one backline score.
Canada will have to figure out its 9 to 15 attack before they’re going to threaten the top teams like England, NZ and France. The forwards just need fine tuning, less unforced errors would be first on the list. The backline though is another matter, slow ball from the ruck, slow and inaccurate passing, average kicking, it needs some major work.
In the last major tournament Emily Belchos de Goede ran the backline from #10 and the ball distribution was faster and more accurate. Veteran Ellisa Alarie was one of the few backline players that stood out in the match this weekend.
The Australia match will give a clearer picture of where the team is and where the adjustments need to be made.
from Rugby Canada
A standout defensive effort from No. 2-ranked New Zealand was the difference in Canadas Senior Womens 15s second match of their 2022 Pacific Four Series campaign, as the Black Ferns captured a 28-0 win at The Trusts Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday, June 11.
Tries from New Zealands Chelsea Bremner, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Ruby Tui (2), a conversion from captain Ruahei Demant, and a pair of early penalty conversions from Hazel Tubic rounded out scoring in Saturdays match. Pamphinette Buisas play through 80 minutes, including a number of key tackles and defensive plays, highlighted Canadas individual performances.
Heads up plays to force turnovers in Canadas defensive end from Buisa and captain Sophie de Goede saw both players prevent potential scoring plays late in the half from the Black Ferns, as both teams headed into the break with the hosts leading 6-0 off a pair of successful penalty conversions.
New Zealand’s stifling defence carried over into the second half of play and was bolstered by a boost of offence, including a 47th minute try from Tui and a pair of late tries in the 75th and 77th minute of play from Bremner and Tui, respectively.
New Zealands defence was also on display at the 55-minute mark, where a forced turnover on what appeared to be an almost guaranteed try for the Canadians preserved the shutout bid for the Black Ferns.
Were disappointed for sure, I dont think theres any other way to spin it, said de Goede. I thought we had the ability to win today, so to come away scoreless is disappointing, but well learn a lot from it. All credit to the Black Ferns and their defence, they were really physical today hopefully well have another shot at them in a couple months time.
Next up, Canadas Senior Womens 15s, whose official team partner is NFP, wrap up their Pacific Four Series against Australia on Friday, June 17, at 1:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. Eastern/6:30 p.m. Pacific on Friday, June 17).
*Canada Name Team to Face New Zealand on Saturday, 7:45pm PT*
Canada have added some extra power in the front row with DaLeaka Menin returning to tighthead prop after arriving from the UK fresh off the Premier 15s championship match. That moves Olivia DeMerchant from tighthead to loosehead prop. First string hooker Emily Tuttosi also arrives from the UK as a teammate of Menin. Canada had some lineout accuracy issues in Game 1 and hopefully those will be resolved in Game 2. Kassil and Harrigan move to the reserves, and Maya Montiel maintains her spot on the bench.
The second row and back row remain unchanged from Game 1. The only change in the backs is Renee Gonzalez starting on the wing, Sabrina Poulin is not in the match day 23. Some new faces on the bench with McKinley Hunt and Alysha Corrigan making the match day 23.
Kickoff is 7:45pm PT on Saturday.
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Senior Womens 15s team is preparing to face No. 2-ranked New Zealand at the Pacific Four Series this weekend and Head Coach Kevin Rouet has confirmed his roster for the fixture.
?The test, which will see the No. 2 and No. 3-ranked teams in the world face each other, will take place at The Trusts Arena in Waitakere, New Zealand. The match will kick off at 2:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, June 12 (10:45 p.m. Eastern / 7:45 p.m. Pacific on Saturday, June 11).
Having beaten the USA convincingly in their opening match, Canadas Senior Womens 15s, whose official team sponsor is NFP, go into this game high on confidence. New Zealand, meanwhile, also got off to a winning start in their first match with a 23-10 victory over Australia.
All four try scorers against the USA – Olivia DeMerchant, Pamphinette Buisa, Courtney Holtkamp and Taylor Perry – remain in the starting XV, while Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin, fresh from the conclusion of the Allianz Premiership, come into the front row and Renee Gonzalez, a graduate of the maple Leaf Academy, is handed a start on the wing.
Sophie De Goede, who won the Player of the Match Award for her performance against the Americans on Monday, will captain the side in what will be her tenth cap.
On the back of our victory against the USA, were looking forward to facing New Zealand, said Head Coach Rouet. The team has performed in practice this week and they are ready for this match.
He continued: This fixture will be another opportunity for us to put our plans into action and provides more important game time as our preparations for the Rugby World Cup continue.
The Senior Womens 15s will follow their match against New Zealand with their third and final Pacific Four Series fixture against Australia on Saturday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. Eastern / 6:30 p.m. Pacific on Friday, June 17).
WHERE TO WATCH
Fans in Canada can watch the match against New Zealand live on TSN.ca or the TSN App with an encore presentation set to air on TSN 2 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Pacific on Sunday.
Other fans around the world are encouraged to check the World Rugby website to see if their live stream is available in your location.
CANADAS SENIOR WOMENS 15s MATCH DAY ROSTER vs NEW ZEALAND
1. Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC
2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets/Exeter Chiefs
3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Exeter Chiefs
4. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan RFC
5. Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans/Loughborough Lightning
6. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
7. Sara Svoboda (Belleville, ON) – Brantford Harlequins/Belleville Bulldogs/Loughborough Lightning
8. Sophie De Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers RFC
9. Brianna Miller (Pointe-Claire, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
10. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
11. Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Westshore RFC/Worcester Warriors
12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
13. Sara Kaljuvee (Ajax, ON) – Toronto Scottish
14. Renee Gonzalez (Toronto, ON) – Westshore RFC
15. Elissa Alarie (Trois-Rivières, QC) – Westshore RFC/SABRFC/Braves de TR
16. Veronica Harrigan (Lucan, ON) – Brantford Harlequins
17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Redcoats
18. Maya Montiel (Dieppe, NB) University of Ottawa
19. Abby Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – University of Lethbridge/Loughborough Lightning
20. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians/Exeter Chiefs
21. Ana?s Holly (Montréal, QC) – Town of Mont-Royal R.F.C.
22. Maddy Grant (Cornwall, ON) University of Ottawa
23. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC/Saracens
*Canada Win Their First Match of Series 36-5 Over USA: Video Highlights*
Canada won their first match of the series 36-5 over USA with Olivia DeMerchant scoring 2 tries, Pam Buisa scoring 2 and singles going to Courtney Holtcamp and Taylor Perry. Sophie de Goede converted three of the tries and was also named Player of the Match.
The Rugby Canada match report and some video highlights are appended below. Canada face NZ next on Saturday at 7:45pm PT.
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Senior Womens 15s got their Pacific Four Series campaign underway with a statement 36-5 win over the USA at the Tauranga Domain, New Zealand.
?Two tries apiece for Olivia DeMerchant and Pamphinette Buisa, as well as further tries from Courtney Holtkamp and Taylor Perry, were complimented by three conversions from Player of the Match Award winner Sophie De Goede to seal the victory. Meanwhile, Abby Duguid and Maya Montiel both earned their first caps.
In wet and slippery conditions, Canadas exceptional play in the forwards proved decisive throughout the match. In fact, their first two tries, both for DeMerchant, came from close-quarters situations as the prop powered over the line in the fifth and 29th minutes, sandwiching a Hallie Taufoou try for the USA.
It was another forward, this time Buisa, who extended the Canadians lead to 17-5 just prior to half-time as she shrugged off two tackles before touching down.
?After the break, Canada set about asserting their dominance. Holtkamp went over in the 49th minute to ensure their advantage grew, before Buisa banked her second try three minutes later by showing impeccable anticipation to step up, intercept the ball in the USA half and outrun the opposition defence. De Goedes successful conversion made it 29-5.
The USA enjoyed a sustained period of pressure midway through the second half but the Canadian defence stood strong. With just two minutes left, Perry put the icing on the cake as she collected a neat offload from Alexandra Tessier which opened up the space she needed to sprint to the line for the matchs final try. De Goede sent the conversion between the posts to confirm the 36-5 triumph.
It’s very important to start this kind of competition with a win to build confidence in the team, said Canadas Senior Womens 15s Head Coach Kevin Rouet. We know we werent perfect under these conditions, but I really liked the work rate from the girls, especially in defence. I believe we are heading in the right direction, but we will need more games to show that we can be more clinical.
He added: It’s now a short turnaround with only six days before we play New Zealand. The group is excited for this opportunity, and I believe they will show some great stuff in the next two games.
When collecting her Player of the Match Award post-game, De Goede, who was making her first appearance as captain for the Canadian side, said: Its going to sound cliché but it was genuinely the team. Liv [Olivia DeMerchant] got us started with two tries, Pam [Buisa] came in really strong with that intercept try, I think, and we were all in awe. So, honestly, it was a team effort today.
Next up for Canadas Senior Womens 15s, whose official team partner is NFP, in the Pacific Four Series is a clash with New Zealand on Sunday, June 12 at 2:45 p.m. local time (10:45 p.m. Eastern / 7:45 p.m. Pacific on Saturday June 11).
*Canada Announce Squad to Take On Americans on Sunday 17:15 PT*
The Pacific Four tournament kicks off on Monday in NZ, that translates to Sunday at 5:15pm PT on the west coast. Monday is a national holiday in NZ.
Both teams will be missing key players as the Saracens v Exeter, Premier 15s championship match, wrapped up on Saturday in the UK.
Canada will face USA in the first match, followed by NZ v Australia.
Sophie de Goede will captain the side.
1 Brittany Kassil
2 Veronica Harrigan
3 Olivia DeMerchant
4 Tyson Beukeboom
5 Courtney Holtcamp
6 Pam Buisa
7 Sara Svoboda
8 Sophie de Goede
9 Brianna Miller
10 Taylor Perry
11 Paige Farries
12 Alexandra Tessier
13 Sara Kaljuvee
14 Sabrina Poulin
15 Ellisa Alarie
16 Laura Russell
17 Mikiela Nelson
18 Maya Montiel
19 Abby Duguid
20 Emma Taylor
21 Anais Holly
22 Maddy Grant
23 Renee Gonzalez
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Senior Womens 15s roster has been named ahead of the teams opening Pacific Four Series fixture against the USA.
Head Coach Kevin Rouets sides clash with the 7th-ranked Americans will take place at Tauranga Domain in Tauranga, New Zealand at 12:15 p.m. local time on Monday, June 6 (8:15 p.m. Eastern / 5:15 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, June 5).
The Pacific Four Series will mark Rouets first matches in charge of the Senior Womens 15s, following his recent appointment as Head Coach, and a chance to provide opportunities to young, up-and-coming players as he continues to assess his squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup. With that, Sophie De Goede will be making her first appearance as captain for the Canadian side.
We are all very much looking forward to kicking off our competition calendar as part of the Journey to the Rugby World Cup at the Pacific Four Series, said Rouet. We have been focused on redefining our systems and the upcoming test versus the USA will be our first opportunity to set that in motion.
Having been assembled in New Zealand for the past week, the team has had critical preparation time together, something that cannot but understated for the decentralized program.
Rouet added: We have enjoyed a very good first week of practice and now we are looking forward to competing in our first match against our North American neighbours.
The Senior Womens 15s, whose official team partner is NFP, will compete in three matches in total at the Pacific Four Series. They will follow their game against the USA with a clash against New Zealand on Sunday June 12 before meeting Australia on Saturday June 18 local time.
WHERE TO WATCH
Fans can watch a live stream of Canadas match against the USA on the World Rugby website. Click here to access the page on which the live stream will be hosted.
CANADAS SENIOR WOMENS 15s MATCH DAY ROSTER vs USA
Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Redcoats
Veronica Harrigan (Lucan, ON) – Brantford Harlequins
Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC
Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan RFC
Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans/Loughborough Lightning
Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
Sara Svoboda (Belleville, ON) – Brantford Harlequins/Belleville Bulldogs/Loughborough Lightning
Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers RFC
Brianna Miller (Pointe-Claire, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Westshore RFC/Worcester Warriors
Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
Sara Kaljuvee (Ajax, ON) – Toronto Scottish
Sabrina Poulin (St-Georges, QC) TMRRFC/Stade Rennais
Elissa Alarie (Trois-Rivières, QC) – Westshore RFC/SABRFC/Braves de TR
FINISHERS
Laura Russell (Bolton, ON) – Cowichan RFC/Toronto Nomads
Mikiela Nelson (North Vancouver, BC) – UBC Rugby/Capilano Rugby
Maya Montiel (Dieppe, NB) University of Ottawa
Abby Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – University of Lethbridge/Loughborough Lightning
Emma Taylor (Scotsburn, NS) – HRFC / London Saracens
Ana?s Holly (Montréal, QC) – Town of Mont-Royal R.F.C.
Maddy Grant (Cornwall, ON) University of Ottawa
Renee Gonzalez (Toronto, ON) – Westshore RFC