Canada’s Women’s rugby team have beaten USA 32-11 in the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
Four tries and a fantastic display off the tee from captain Sophie De Goede delivered the victory for Kevin Rouet’s side, Canada sealing their place in the 2021 Rugby World Cup Semi Finals, and with a topfour 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 Canada’s favour, the fullback launching the ball from inside her half and bouncing it into touch in USA’s 22-metre zone, giving Canada the throw at the lineout.
Though the rolling drive would not 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 at the half.
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.
Canada’s captain responded with three of her own when the USA then lost a player to the sinbin for a high tackle, restoring Canada’s 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 looks forward to taking on England in the Semi-Finals. Canada’s Women’s head coach, Kevin Rouet said: “I’m 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.”
Photo credits to: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyCanada/
