Canada fall to England in their first test match of 2018

England’s front heavy drives proved successful in the first half as the Roses went up 15-0 on Canada. Canada answered with an offensive drive to put them inside England’s 22. A kick from Anaïs Holly was quickly scooped up by Alex Tessier and dotted down for a try, with the conversion by Brianna Miller putting the score at 15-7 for England to end the half.

In the second, Canada adapted to England’s driving mauls and put up a strong defensive effort. A brilliant read and interception from vice captain Elissa Alarie set her on a 90-metre run ending in a beautiful try in the corner, cutting England’s lead 15-12.

After England added on two more, Courtney Holtkamp pushes through in the dying minutes of the match to score for Canada bringing the final to 27-19 in favour of England.

The first test match of the year for the team, Canada capped seven players with Gabrielle Senft, Sabrina Poulin, and Marie Thibault starting the game to earn their first. Mackenzie Carson, Maude Laliberté, Taylor Black, and Irene Patrinos came off the bench to notch their first caps as well.

“A great tough opponent in England, we started a bit slow but once we got some momentum going end of the first half the game came together,” said head coach Sandro Fiorino.

“It was outstanding to have seven new players come in and do their part. Very unselfish performance by many of them. But they stuck to the game plan and executed well.”  

Continuing on their four-game tour, Canada “A” will face England “A” on Wednesday before Canada’s match against Wales the following Saturday.

Fans can follow @RugbyCanada for updates for the Canada “A” vs. England “A” match on Wednesday, November 21st with kick-off at 2:30pm ET/ 11:30am PT.

Canada’s roster to face England:

1. Olivia DeMerchant – (Fredericton Loyalists) Mapledale, NB

2. Laura Russell – Captain (Toronto Nomads) Bolton, ON

3. DaLeaka Menin – (Calgary Hornets) Vulcan, AB

4. Tyson Beukeboom – (Cowichan Piggies) Uxbridge, ON

5. Courtney Holtkamp – (Red Deer Titans) Rimbey, AB

6. Gabrielle Senft – (Castaway Wanderers) Regina, SK

7. Janna Slevinsky – (Kingston Panthers) St. Albert, AB

8. Cindy Nelles – (Belleville Bulldogs) Belleville, ON

9. Brianna Miller – (Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue) Point-Claire, QC

10. Anaïs Holly – (TMR RFC) Montreal, QC

11. Sabrina Poulin – (TMR RFC) Saint-Georges-de-Beauce

12. Alex Tessier – (SABRFC) Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC

13. Marie Thibault – (CRQ) Quebec City, QC

14. Magali Harvey – (CRQ) Quebec City, QC

15. Elissa Alarie – Vice Captain (Ste-Anne-De-Bellevue RFC/Westshore RFC) Trois Rivieres, QC

16. Mackenzie Carson – (Bristol Bears) Abbotsford, BC

17. Veronica Harrigan – (London St. George’s) Lucan, ON

18. Maude Laliberté – (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QC

19. Ngalula Fuamba – (TMRRFC) Notre-Dame-de-L'Île-Perrot

20. Sara Svoboda – (Belleville Bulldogs/Toronto Saracens) Belleville, ON

21. Lori Josephson – (Guelph Redcoats) Beaverton, ON

22. Taylor Black – (Oakville Crusaders) Oakville, ON

23. Irene Patrinos – (Toronto Saracens) Mississauga, ON 

Canada’s November Tour Schedule:
 
Sunday 18th November 
England 29 - 19 Canada

Wednesday 21st November
England “A” v Canada “A”
Cobham RFC, Cobham
K.O. 7:30pm local time (2:30pm ET/11:30am PT)
*Not an official test match*

No live stream, follow @RugbyCanada on Twitter for updates
 
Saturday 24th November
Wales vs Canada
Cardiff Arms Park
K.O. 11:30am local time (6:30am ET/3:30am PT)

Broadcast details TBC
 
Tuesday 27th November
Scotland v Canada
Scotstoun Stadium - Glasgow
K.O.  7pm local time (2pm ET/11am PT)

Watch LIVE: www.bbc.co.uk/alba.

  
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