Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s wrap up Fall Tour with 24-7 win over Wales

November 21, 2021 (Cardiff, WAL) - Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s faced Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on November 21st, earning a 24-7 win in their final Fall fixture, presented by DHL Rugby. Canada overcame a first half red card and put forth a dominant second half of play to collect their third win from four matches this Fall.

Courtney Holtkamp, DaLeaka Menin, Sabrina Poulin and Pamphinette Buisa registered tries for Canada on Sunday, with Alexandra Tessier adding a pair of conversions in the win.

Wales got on the board early, scoring off a strong ruck from a line out with Canada down to seven players in the scrum due to a yellow card shown to Tyson Beukeboom. Canada went down to 14 players for the remainder of the match following a red card to captain Oliva DeMerchant, who made unintentional shoulder-to-head contact on a hard tackle at the half hour mark.

Despite being down a player for the majority of the opening half, Canada’s defense was strong, allowing them to nearly level the match in the final minutes of play with a promising  run that came up just short.

Wales would lead 7-0 heading into half time.

Canada came out on the front foot to open the second half and looked to have a try in the 46th minute, before having the call overturned. Despite the call, the Canadians continued to push forward and were rewarded with their first try of the evening from Holtkamp in the 51st minute to pull within two points at 7-5.

Canada grew in confidence despite being down a player, shutting Wales out  in the second half. It was all Canada in the final 30 minutes, as Menin, Poulin and Buisa would add scores  to build up a sizeable lead. Wales were unable to match the tempo and fitness of their Canadian counterparts, who would come away from Cardiff Arms Park with a 24-7 win to conclude their Fall Tour.

Buisa had an exceptional game coming in as a finisher at the 52 minute mark, making an immediate impact for the Canadians. In addition to scoring off a pick and go near the try line, Buisa carried the ball in numerous hard runs and continuously supported her teammates on the outside. She was rewarded as the Player of the Match for her dynamic contribution.

“I’m very impressed with the resiliency our players showed in today’s win,” said Canada head coach Sandro Fiorino. “They overcame a red card and really dictated play in the second half. I’m happy we were able to end this run of fixtures with a positive result.”

Sunday’s match marked the final competition of the year for Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s squad, who finish their Fall Tour with a 3-1 record. Canada will now return home and continue their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in October 2022 in New Zealand.

ABOUT RUGBY CANADA
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.

Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, residing on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish, Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), Te’mexw Treaty Association, and Lekwungen/Songhees peoples, with staff also working from Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Canada Sevens annual tournaments.

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