Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s get Pacific Four Series underway with statement win over USA

Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s got their Pacific Four Series campaign underway with a statement 36-5 win over the USA at the Tauranga Domain, New Zealand.

Two tries apiece for Olivia DeMerchant and Pamphinette Buisa, as well as further tries from Courtney Holtkamp and Taylor Perry, were complimented by three conversions from Player of the Match Award winner Sophie De Goede to seal the victory. Meanwhile, Abby Duguid and Maya Montiel both earned their first caps.

In wet and slippery conditions, Canada’s exceptional play in the forwards proved decisive throughout the match. In fact, their first two tries, both for DeMerchant, came from close-quarters situations as the prop powered over the line in the fifth and 29th minutes, sandwiching a Hallie Taufoou try for the USA.

It was another forward, this time Buisa, who extended the Canadians’ lead to 17-5 just prior to half-time as she shrugged off two tackles before touching down.

After the break, Canada set about asserting their dominance. Holtkamp went over in the 49th minute to ensure their advantage grew, before Buisa banked her second try three minutes later by showing impeccable anticipation to step up, intercept the ball in the USA half and outrun the opposition defence. De Goede’s successful conversion made it 29-5.

The USA enjoyed a sustained period of pressure midway through the second half but the Canadian defence stood strong. With just two minutes left, Perry put the icing on the cake as she collected a neat offload from Alexandra Tessier which opened up the space she needed to sprint to the line for the match’s final try. De Goede sent the conversion between the posts to confirm the 36-5 triumph.

“It's very important to start this kind of competition with a win to build confidence in the team,” said Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s Head Coach Kevin Rouet. “We know we weren’t perfect under these conditions, but I really liked the work rate from the girls, especially in defence. I believe we are heading in the right direction, but we will need more games to show that we can be more clinical.”

He added: “It's now a short turnaround with only six days before we play New Zealand. The group is excited for this opportunity, and I believe they will show some great stuff in the next two games.”

When collecting her Player of the Match Award post-game, De Goede, who was making her first appearance as captain for the Canadian side, said: “It’s going to sound cliché but it was genuinely the team. ‘Liv [Olivia DeMerchant] got us started with two tries, Pam [Buisa] came in really strong with that intercept try, I think, and we were all in awe. So, honestly, it was a team effort today.”

Next up for Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s, whose official team partner is NFP, in the Pacific Four Series is a clash with New Zealand on Sunday, June 12 at 2:45 p.m. local time (10:45 p.m. Eastern / 7:45 p.m. Pacific on Saturday June 11).