Canada kick-off Rugby World Cup campaign with bonus-point win
Rugby Canada
Rugby 15s Senior Women
Canada’s Women’s Rugby team 41 (27) (Tries: Farries, Tuttosi 3, Miller 2, Nelson; Conversions: Miller, De Goede 2) defeat Japan 5 (5)
Canada kick-off Rugby World Cup campaign with bonus-point win
French version to follow at 9am ET.
The Canadian Women’s Rugby Team have defeated Japan 41-5 in their opening game of Rugby World Cup 2021 playing in 2022 at Northland Events Centre in Whangārei, New Zealand.
Three tries to hooker Emily Tuttosi and a double for veteran scrum half Brianna Miller sealed the victory for Kevin Rouet’s side on the day when Canada’s Women’s team played their 150th test match.
It took Canada just two minutes to get their first try of the tournament, winger Paige Farries collecting a brilliant charge down from Sara Kaljuvee to score in her first Rugby World Cup.
Japan responded quickly, levelling the game at 5-5, but it wouldn’t take long for Canada to restore their lead, Tuttosi crashing over the line for her first try. Miller converted to make it 12-5 after 15 minutes.
The scrum half then consolidated Canada’s lead 10 minutes later, scooting through a gap to score from 30 metres from the line, though she couldn’t quite find the target from the conversion.
Tuttosi then got her second of the game off the back of a dominant rolling maul, before Miller also grabbed a double with five minutes to play in the half.
Canada had more opportunities to extend their lead but were comfortable taking a 27-5 lead into the break.
Tuttosi completed her hat-trick 10 minutes after half-time, staying low to drive across the line. Captain Sophie De Goede converted brilliantly from the touchline to make it 34-5.
Replacement front row Mikiela Nelson was last to get on the score sheet, the loosehead prop dotting down from the base of the ruck, completing a strong display against a gutsy Japanese group.
Canada will now look forward to taking on Italy in their second pool game at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland on Saturday 15 October at 4:30 p.m. PT and 7:30 p.m. ET, which is 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday 16 October.
Canadian Women’s 15s head coach, Kevin Rouet said: “We’re happy with the start from the team but we know we have a lot to improve on.”
“With the emotion of the first game of a World Cup and the nerves, I thought we did the basics really well and we're excited to show more next week against a good Italian team.”
Canada’s Women’s Rugby team 41 (27) (Tries: Farries, Tuttosi 3, Miller 2, Nelson; Conversions: Miller, De Goede 2) defeat Japan 5 (5)