Canada’s Women’s Team finished the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool stages with an exciting 13-13 draw against England and have advanced to the semi-finals against France on August 13.
Based on the close finish between England, Canada, France and Australia, Canada had to wait until after the hosts defeated the Wallaroos 17-3 before they could celebrate their berth in the final four. Canada will now face France in the second semi-final at Stade Jean Bouin on August 13 at 8:45pm local time (2:45pm ET/11:45am PT) live on TSN.
Canada advance to Semi-Final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Canada versus England Recap:
A fantastic showing of women’s rugby would be on display throughout the game, as both teams possess physical forward packs, talented backs and were looking to finish the pool stages a perfect 3-0.
Off the opening kick off, Canada Captain Kelly Russell would secure possession for her side with a huge showing of athleticism to tap the ball back off the restart high in the air. Both teams exchanged possession and line breaks in the early few minutes, before outside-centre Emily Scarratt kicked a penalty at the 7-minute mark to give England a 3-0 lead.
Off a deep Canadian scrum, 19-year-old flyhalf Emily Belchos shook off two would-be tacklers to set up a 50-metre break for her side and relieve England’s pressure.
A few minutes later, Canada’s forwards stole an England scrum and took the momentum into their favour. Off an ensuing penalty, Canada hit touch and, after winning the lineout, they powered through for the first try of the game by Karen Paquin from a maul. Despite Magali Harvey’s conversion attempt missing on the near side, Canada took a 5-3 lead.
However, the next 10 minutes were in England’s hands as they pinned Canada deep inside their territory and were awarded multiple penalties. Using the boot of flyhalf Ceri Large, England nearly scored two tries but Danielle Waterman knocked-on just short of the try line before Kat Merchant knocked-on in the try zone two minutes later. The score remained 5-3 for Canada.
Nearing the end of the first half, Harvey was unsuccessful on a penalty and the Canadians continued to pressure England unsuccessfully for a number of phases. Before the halftime whistle, Scarratt would add another penalty to give her side a 6-5 advantage going into the break.
The second frame opened to the way of Canada and Mandy Marchak and Magali Harvey connected for an exciting 60-metre run, which seemed to electrify their teammates. Shortly after and while playing on advantage, Jess Dovanne sprinted down the left wing but was forced out of bounds, bringing the ball back to the earlier infringement.
Looking to re-take the lead, Russell took a quick tap and eventually Saskatchewan’s Kayla Mack dotted down for Canada in the right corner after hard work from the entire forward pack. Harvey’s conversion attempt fell short and Canada lead 10-6 five minutes into the second half.
However, the lead wouldn’t last long. Shortly after England began a set of phases near Canada’s goal line that included three mauls off lineouts and two off scrums. Lead by the forward pack, Canada’s defense held strong for as long as possible before England Captain Sarah Hunter barged her way over the line.
With Scarratt’s successful conversion, England then led 13-10.
The final 20 minutes of the game showcased the best that women’s rugby had to offer, as both teams exchanged possession multiple times and excited the multi-national crowd on the main field in Marcoussis.
With seven minutes left on the clock, Canada were awarded a kickable penalty and Harvey was good under pressure to bring the game to 13-13 with only minutes to play. With no time left on the clock, England scrum half Natasha Hunt booted the ball into touch to seal a draw and advance both sides into the semi-finals.
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