Canada Defeat USA 32-11 to Advance to Semi-Finals Against England
The Women’s World Cup has progressed as many predicted, the final four being England, NZ, Canada, France, the top four ranked teams. The semis will see England v Canada and then NZ v France. England are considered heavy favourites to claim the title, they’re on a 29 game winning streak in international rugby.
Canada went into halftime with a slim 12-8 lead. The game broke open when Paige Farries scored a try less than 2 minutes into the second half, 19-8. USA were only able to muster another penalty while Canada added 2 penalties and a try by Alex Tessier.
The match stats (from World Rugby) and Rugby Canada report are below.
TIMELINE (note: World Rugby made error in counting)
STATS
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Womens rugby team have beaten USA 32-11 in the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland.
Four tries and a fantastic display off the tee from captain Sophie De Goede delivered the victory for Kevin Rouets side, Canada sealing their place in the 2021 Rugby World Cup Semi Finals, and with a top-four finish, automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup in England.
USA started the game strong, pinning Canada deep in their half. That pressure would turn to points after 10 minutes, USA crossing for the opening try of the game.
Canada struggled to get a foothold in the game, but with one kick of the ball, Elissa Alarie turned the momentum in Canadas favour, the fullback launching the ball from inside her half and bouncing it into touch in USAs 22-metre zone, giving Canada the throw at the lineout.
Though the rolling drive wouldnt lead directly to a try for Canada, the maul took the team close, allowing lock McKinley Hunt to push her way over the line.
Captain Sophie De Goede converted brilliantly from out-wide to make it 7-5.
Four minutes later, Canada would have their second try, outstanding backrow Karen Paquin chasing down another expert kick from Alarie to score.
USA added three points late in the half, leaving the score at 12-8 to Canada as the teams jogged into the locker rooms.
Canada shot out of the traps in the second period, star winger Paige Farries taking a deft pop pass through a hole and rounding the fullback to score the try of the day.
De Goede converted for two points, USA added three almost straight off the kick-off, leaving the score at 19-8 only five minutes after the restart of play.
Canadas captain responded with three of her own when the USA then lost a player to the sin-bin for a high tackle, restoring Canadas 11-point advantage.
Alex Tessier put Canada out of reach not long after, sustained pressure seeing the flyhalf cross untouched under the sticks. De Goede converted and added another three points from the tee making it 32-11 which is how it finished.
Canada now look forward to taking on England in the Semi-Finals next Friday at 8:30 p.m. PT and 11:30 p.m. ET.
Canadas Womens head coach, Kevin Rouet said: Im very pleased with the performance and proud of the effort from the players.
We managed the weather well, scored some good tries and proved we belong in that top-four and our focus is now on England on Saturday.
*Canada Name Team for Quarter-Finals Against USA*
Canada go into the quarter-finals with a return match against the USA. They’ve called Pam Buisa into the reserves, her first appearance in the tournament.
Canada are down a scrum-half and have flown in Olivia Apps from the 7s program, she’s not available for this match but will be available in the semis if Canada win on Saturday.
Also good news is Fabiola Forteza is back at blindside, she has been one of the hardest working players on the team and was rested in the last match vs USA.
Olivia DeMerchant and Brittany Kassil switch positions with DeMerchant getting the start at loosehead prop in this match and Kassil moving to the reserves.
Alex Tessier keeps her starting role at #10, a move that seemed to energize the backline attack. Player of the Match from last game, Alysha Corrigan, also retains her starting outside centre position.
Kickoff is 8:15pm PT on Saturday and broadcast is on TSN3.
from Rugby Canada
Canada confirm roster for Rugby World Cup Quarter Final against USA
Canadas Womens rugby team head coach Kevin Rouet has made two changes to his starting roster for this Saturdays Rugby World Cup Quarter Final against USA at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, live on TSN 3 from 8:15 p.m. PT and 11:15 p.m. ET.
51-cap veteran loosehead prop Olivia DeMerchant comes into the starting team at her third Rugby World Cup after a standout performance off the bench against Canadas North American rivals in the last pool game.
Fabiola Forteza also returns to Rouets roster at blindside flanker, with Karen Paquin shifting across to openside, the 35-year-old having been one of Canadas best performers in the tournament to date.
Lock Tyson Beukeboom will move into third place on Canadas all-time Womens 15s cap list ahead of Kelly and Laura Russell when she comes off the bench, the veteran set for her 54th appearance for her country, just two caps behind Maria Gallo in second place.
23-year-old scrum half, Olivia Apps joined the squad as injury cover for Brianna Miller earlier this week and will be in line to make her Canadian 15s debut should the team progresses through the Quarter Finals having represented her country in Sevens since 2018.
Rugby Canada would like to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Government for their ongoing support throughout the World Cup. Prime Minister Trudeau sent a video message to the team before the USA pool game, which can be seen on Rugby Canada social media channels.
Canadas Womens rugby team head coach, Kevin Rouet said: Its great to be in the playoffs, and we know now is when we have to reach another level.
As we said before the tournament, we need a full squad to win the World Cup and our focus this week has been ensuring the 23 selected are prepared for what will be a tough test against USA.
Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. PT and 11:30 p.m. ET. on Saturday 29 October, which is 4:30 p.m. local time on Sunday 30 October.
WHERE TO WATCH
Saturdays game against USA will be shown live on TSN 3. Coverage begins from 8:15 p.m. PT and 11:15 p.m. ET.
CANADAS WOMENS RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER vs USA
1. Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) Halifax Tars RFC
2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs
3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs
4. Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) Red Deer Titans
5. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) Aurora Barbarians / Exeter Chiefs
6. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) Club de rugby de Québec
7. Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC Club de rugby de Québec / Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais
8. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) Castaway Wanderers RFC
9. Justine Pelletier (Riviere-du-Loup, QC) Riviere-du-Loup, QC
10. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC
11. Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) Worcester Warriors
12. Sara Kaljuvee (Ajax, ON) Toronto Scottish
13. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) CRFC / Saracens
14. Maddy Grant (Cornwall, ON) University of Ottawa
15. Elissa Alarie (Trois-Rivieres, QC) Westshore RFC
16. Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) Capilano RFC
17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) Guelph, ON
18. Alex Ellis (Ottawa, ON) Barrhaven Scottish / Saracens
19. Ngalula Fuamba (Notre Dame de-l’ile-Perrot, QC) T.M.R.R.F.C.
20. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) Cowichan RFC
21. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) Castaway Wanderers / Exeter Chiefs / Regina Rogues Rugby Club
22. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) Ottawa Irish
23. Anaïs Holly (Montreal, QC) Town of Mont-Royal RFC