Henson seeks Ospreys exit BBC Sport understands that Wales centre Gavin Henson has made several attempts to leave his Ospreys contract.
World Cup on track despite quake New Zealand mark a year until the start of the Rugby World Cup, less than a week after Christchurch was devastated by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake.
Turner in for Tri-Nations finale Lachie Turner will replace the injured Drew Mitchell as the only change to Australia's starting XV for Saturday's final Tri-Nations match against New Zealand.
Carraro keen to stay on at Bath Bath's Australian back Matt Carraro says he would love to stay at the club beyond his current two-year deal.
Back and Key sign new Leeds deals Leeds Carnegie coaching duo Neil Back and Andy Key pledge their future to the club by signing one-year contract extensions.
Chiefs will not let up - Baxter Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says he will pick a full-strength side to face Leicester on Saturday.
Tait backs 'passionate' Falcons Newcastle Falcons coach Alan Tait is convinced the current squad have a genuine passion for success this season.
Versatile Thomas enjoys new role Ospreys and Wales forward Jonathan Thomas says he is happy with yet another position switch this season.
Ospreys' Magners verdict delayed The Ospreys may have to wait until next week for the result of their appeal against their Magners League points deduction and fine.
Watford in dark on Saracens deal Watford say Saracens have failed to meet a deadline regarding a decision on their future at Vicarage Road.
NZ HERALD RUGBY NEWS
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You won’t find many sports-minded people in this country will ever disagree in the absolute pleasure and enjoyment there is in beating the Americans in rugby – or any sport for that matter.
A week ago Friday at the conclusion of the second Test match at Langford Stadium on Vancouver Island the final whistle had hardly gone and the Americans were heading for the showers almost faster than they had entered the arena 80 minutes earlier. It was a “Kirk to Enterprise…beam me up” moment.
The faces of their players told the complete story and any belief system they had about the game they had just played or their style of play was clearly in tatters. Some appeared discouraged, some sulky, some exhausted but most downright shattered.
Clearly they had ‘left it all out there’ as the saying goes – they had come at Canada in both test matches with guns blazing and they had given it their all. It wasn’t nearly enough.
They had every right to be discouraged and now must ask themselves if they have chosen the right tactical path after their encounter with the skilled and determined Canadian women.
Several coaches of note suggested that this has been the style of play adopted under the present regime and that over the years players had been selected to fit the style rather than finding a style to fit the present selections.
And in truth it must be said that what they do, they do quite well – but it clearly wasn’t enough against Canada and it was even more obvious that there was no undertaking for a plan ‘B’ when plan ‘A’ was stuffed!
At the other end of the field the Canadian Team celebrated their two test victories - and well they should. Most players have been on this mission for several years now and some veterans have been competing at this level for more years than they ever imagined.
It is easy to see why it is so addictive to continue playing together, for each other and for Canada. This group of players is as unique as you would ever find anywhere in any sport.
All the positives are there in place and there is much to be proud of and to celebrate even before the World Cup kicks off this August – but like any elite group the goal in August is to come home with gold.
Is it realistic? You bet – but like any fine instrument it has to be fine-tuned in order to work to its full potential.
Looking at this group as a team and as individuals it seems clear that there are weapons everywhere – and they are world class in nature.
But this World Cup is going to be the closest ever – the progress in the women's game has been blinding and when kick-off becomes a reality on August 20th the cream that comes to the top will have earned their way by maximizing all their potentials – it’s going to be that close.
Test matches are being played every four days in London so expect everyone selected to this Canada Team to have a say in the outcome - and that includes those few who must stay on stand-by here at home - and that in itself is a massive undertaking after such devastating commitment and resolve.
The Canadian forwards are a formidable group and these past two Test matches only enhanced that view point.
The selectors have finally got their combinations right in the back-row and have utilized the power this group brings to Canada’s overall game.
And while only three players can enter the arena at a time - the ‘power-centre’ of this pack is the abundance of world class back-row players, no question.
Of course starting a game seems fundamental to our competitive nature – it’s healthy and keep the juices on high octane alert – but finishing is also the end result where closure occurs so if you think it’s not important think again.
Number 8 Kelly Russell had two sensational matches against some formidable and destructive opposition. The Americans also have back-row power but it’s one-way – and against this destructive and negative play Russell still shone and excelled.
And better still if the referee had been more attentive to the negative tactics the American under took to flop on the ball and slow things down then all of us might have witnessed an ever more complete exhibition of how to play #8 – particularly on attack.
The flankers are no less accomplished – Florence after years of international accomplishment has solidified a style that allows the opposition no room for error. The grim determination is etched on her face for all to see and these past two test matches have given witness to why she was once the most feared flanker on the planet – and recognized as such for her selection to the World XV in a celebration of rugby down-under some years ago.
Mervin at #6 is stroke of genius by the coaching group – she has the range of an open-side plus the determination in both directions and now has instincts to compliment the other two back-row players – plus she remains one of the most formidable tacklers in the solar system as well as a dynamic powerhouse on attack.
This group is a stable of racehorses all prancing impatiently at the starting gate – the exchange or handoff to Kish from Florence in the first test was well timed and must have exceeded all expectations. Kish entered the fray on the dead run with no adjustment whatsoever – it was mach-speed personified and the Americans were caught looking over their collective shoulders as she flashed by.
The second test was more of the same but this time Mervin left early through injury and Jaques entered the game before Kish was substituted.
We lost nothing and gained everything and it put on display the sensational resources this squad has in the back-row.
Jaques finds the ball like a finely tuned guided missile in the tightest situations and her tenacious play is something to behold. Her energy is boundless and she approaches every situation with clear intentions to win the ball for her team. Anyone who enjoys watching a flanker at work could not help enjoy her display last week.
In the second-row engine room Megan Gibbs reigns supreme. She leads from the front and expects everyone else to follow which only makes the group determination more effective.
Gibbs is a force with ball-in-hand and her defense is uncompromising and savage. And in these two test matches it was very clear that her determined style was unsettling the Americans to distraction. In fact, right at the final whistle Gibb reminded an American forward that inappropriate delay of game tactics would not be tolerated without a response as she re-arranged the Americans head gear.
In fact when considering the performances within this forward group for both test matches Gibbs would be at the top of the highlight reel.
The other lock Eve-Marie Brindamour-Carigan is a steady partner full of determination and intention – and while it may be impossible to keep up to the tenacious Gibbs, Carigan is no less committed. Her performance in the second test was much improved which gives value to the opinion that Canada should stay together in the weeks ahead and play the other teams in the NWL.
In a world cup year preparation must take president over all other competitions.
The front row is an adventure into the magical kingdom of Oz – there is power, technique and confidence everywhere you look. And while we are short on depth - there is no lack of skill and power.
Marlene Donaldson is working her way steadily and methodically to the fore-front of front-row technicians. She assumes nothing and expects a hurricane on each outing. Certainly this must considered a massive asset as we approach the best teams in the world.
Donaldson has “edge” and those close to the team will tell you directly and with certainty that she will not tolerate a challenge to her supremacy.
Here there is immense value for the challenge to be the top team in the world – teams like England thrive on front-row dominance and make it their platform for success. For Donaldson it is an item for dismissal.
The hooking position is no less vital and full of power and competence.
Leslie McKenzie and Kim Donaldson offer strength and determination – and each with skills that complement the outcome. Their collective confidence is a power-builder on this team – plus there is little to choose between them and in the end the lineout accomplishment may hold the starting key.
Stavrou and Corinne Jacobsen are power-packed and confident as they should be – and while they learn fast in every outing Canada benefits immensely with each test. We must have the platform for attack and these players are our stability and launching pad.
The outside backs are an exceptional group but there is clearly an issue of supply and demand.
Most likely 70% of the handling errors in the two recent tests occurred here between 9 and 12 – and it started with an inconsistent supply of ball to Anna Schnell.
Without too much doubt everyone beyond the #10 position was getting ball and tackle or immense pressure caused by inconsistent supply. This must be resolved and it did not go unnoticed by the HPD who wondered out loud why Julia Sugawara did not get a start in the second Test.
For many teams across the globe it is easy for writers to point fingers at players who perform below expectations – especially at players in key positions. But not here, not with this group – it proves little purpose whatsoever.
Yet this test match was a classic example of a game where Sugawara would have thrived and excelled – her steady feet and strong direct-mark passing would have sent our backs away on a scoring binge – this was a game for her to be selected.
For all that Laura Stoughton brings to the table – and there is abundance – the opposition on the day dictated the selection and the staff missed this one by a country mile.
We starved our backs of plentiful quick, fast, ball from our wonderful forwards who worked endlessly to that purpose - it was gut-wrenching at times to see our attacking purpose snuffed out by a slow or errant pass.
Despite this when the ball did arrive on delivery the purposeful and talented Anna Schnell delivered the goods with skill and tactical astuteness beyond her years – it was masterful, elegant and icy calm in delivery and we must support her wonderful skills and talent. Better still she read the game situations to perfection and kicked accordingly for field position.
Brooke Hildtich is no less a talent and has a sensational skill package but this selection versus the USA was not for her – she will face other countries and other challenges more suited to her style and she will excel for her country.
The centre combination is near perfect and complete – Sarah Ulmer is crystal clear in her defensive role and seldom falters – and her attacking skills are many given the right time. She gives little away and seldom loses the ball when she advances on attack. Better still she understands her role completely.
Mandy Marchak will remain the target of everyone we encounter in this RWC tournament – such is her skill and absolute power. She has balance in her running, speed from the mark and a gritty determination to find the goal-line.
Across the globe she is feared and with good reason – but we must get her the ball with space and not inhibit her talents.
The back three are a mixture of speed, talent and awesome power. It’s high grade octane on every corner!
Enter Brittany Waters whose has used her sevens time to full advantage – she runs near-perfect lines with blistering speed and allows none to pass her door on defense. Her balanced running and evasive skills over the last twelve months has shown remarkable improvement. She started the first test and continued her quest in the second game with a sensational try that broke the American stand.
Maria Gallo has a profound understanding of the game – she is calm, collected and leads by example. She was sensational at the first-ever RWC for Sevens in Dubai and could easily have had podium honors at the tournament. Despite this she could struggle to hold her position in every test match at London. Not by what she doesn’t have or do but by what others around have to offer. Cheryl Phillips, Heather Moyse, Julianne Zussman and others are knocking at the door – and hard!
For a coach it is a wonderful situation to be surrounded by so much talent – how to use them effectively remains the challenge.
There were 30 players listed on the program for these two matches and now the players head off to their respective provinces for the NWL competition.
Many thought that they should have remained together and played out the NWL Nationals against the prospective teams - certainly not a bad idea.
One thing is certain – for those unfortunate to be left on home soil after the final RWC team is announced – they would be well advised to keep their bags packed, fitness levels high and be ready to jump on the Heathrow connector at short notice.
This RWC is going to be physical affair and we will require all our plentiful resources if we are to challenge to the final cup position.
Good luck Canada!
Canada Wins 34-22 Over USA at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford
posted June 18 2010
Bear Mountain Stadium is becoming a bit of a good luck charm for the home teams. BC Bears defeated Russia there and Canada's Women put up their biggest winning victory over USA in recent history today. The game was tied 22-22 but Canada owned the last 10 minutes with Heather Jaques scoring Canada's last try.
The game was covered live on UStream but it kept dropping the connection, hence the archive of the game is in about 20 small segments. You can scroll through the segments below to select different parts of the game, some are audio only, some audio and video. Meghan Mutrie will no doubt have a full report sometime this evening [see below].
MATCH REPORT BY MEGHAN MUTRIE
Canada’s National Senior Women’s Rugby Team won its last game before the 2010 World Cup and in doing so, completed a sweep of the Can-Am series by defeating the USA Eagles by a score of 34-22 at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC.
The way Canada came out of the gate with a try for fullback Julianne Zussman after just two minutes, they looked to run away with the match, but a yellow card in a pivotal position halted Canada’s momentum and brought the USA to life.
Contests between the North American rivals have been notoriously close; the last four matches have been decided by seven points or less, including Monday’s test when Olympian Heather Moyse scored a last-minute to give Canada a 14-8 victory.
Canada’s first three tries were all scored in the backs as the end result of simple offloads after touching several sets of hands. Zussman’s initial try clearly stung the USA who could only muster 12 points in the opening frame.
The Americans rallied after half and the 27th test between these two nations became another arm wrestle.
Scrumhalf Laura Stoughton was given a yellow card for not rolling away at the breakdown, leaving Canada unsure of whom to slot into the central role. Match captain Maria Gallo stepped into the position, more for her leadership abilities than her pass, and the Canadians were able to hold the States scoreless while a player down.
Canada exhaled early and USA wing Vanesha McGee crossed the line just as Stoughton returned to the pitch, leveling the score at 22.
The NSWT found themselves on their own 5m line numerous times, but their defense held and shifted the match’s momentum yet again. The Canadian pack stood out for its efforts all over the pitch, but especially in open play both offensively and defensively.
Stoughton found redemption for her absence in the form of a try, scoring in similar fashion to the first three. Replacement flanker Heather Jaques capped off an exceptionally sharp game with Canada’s last try.
From there, it was a matter of battening down the hatches to weather the certain USA storm. Canada would hold on to give them the Can-Am sweep, and assurance that they have come a long way since losing to the USA in the 2009 Nations Cup in August.
These two wins over the USA give Canada the perfect platform from which to narrow their focus to the World Cup in August.
Head Coach Johnathan Long has asked his team to play in the National Women’s League Final to get as much match-time as possible before August.
A squad of 26 athletes and six non-travelling reserves will go to the 2010 World Cup in England. The roster will be announced publicly after the NWL Championship once the NSWT coaching staff has had a chance to confirm the availability of all 32 players selected.
Canada will play Scotland in the opening match of the 2010 Rugby World Cup in London on August 20.
CANADA'S NATIONAL SENIOR WOMEN'S RUGBY TEAM ANNOUNCES ITS ROSTER FOR A SECOND TEST AGAINST THE USA EAGLES
BY Meghan Mutrie posted June 17 2010
A similar but not identical squad has been announced for Canada’s NSWT second match against the USA Eagles on Friday at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC.
Friday will be the 27th meeting of these two nations (USA lead 15-11) and since August 2009, it will be the grudge match as the series is tied, 2-2. Beyond the obvious national pride that is on the line, it is also the last chance for the players to make their case for selection for the 2010 World Cup.
The individual pressure played a role in last match’s choppiness, but the game settled by the last 10 and both teams can be expected to roll on from where they left off.
For Canada, it was on an especial high note as they had numerous scoring opportunities, including Heather Moyse’s eventual game-winner. With only minutes remaining, the USA answered back with convincing territory, and several good individual runs landed the Eagles within 10m of Canada’s line. The game would end there though, with Canada purposely kicking the ball out-of-bounds for the whistle.
This match marks a few individual milestones for Canada’s NSWT. Gillian Florence, Canada’s most-capped player in history, will receive her 60th cap on Friday. The gritty legend will likely be selected for the World Cup, making her only the second player in history to go to five World Cups.
Maria Gallo, who plays for Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, will earn her 50th cap against the same side that she earned her first cap. Like Florence, Gallo has had an illustrious rugby career, starting in 1999 when she debuted for her country in Saranac Lake versus the USA. Since then, Gallo has been to two XV’s World Cups (Spain 2002 & Canada 2006) and was captain for Canada at the 2009 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Dubai.
The combination of experience, skill and character make Gallo, originally from Argentina, an obvious choice for Friday’s match captain, but are the same reason she’s been on the national scene over 10 years. Her 50th cap will be a feather in the doctor’s cap, as her achievements extend past the touchline; Gallo has a PhD in Exercise Physiology and is an instructor at UBC in the School of Human Kinetics.
50 appearances for any country is an accomplishment, but especially so in North America where travel and financial logistics play a heavy factor in the number of international tests played per year, but Monday’s match had a peculiar disparity. Though the average age for Canada and USA differed only by a year, Canada’s 22-man roster more than doubled USA’s number of caps (413 – 184).
However, those numbers are not the ones that will matter come Friday, as the final match between these two countries before the 2010 World Cup should be another close one.
Canada kicks off at 5pm against USA at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC on Friday, June 18. Tickets are sold at the gate for $10.
For added coverage of the NSWT, including match photos and player blogs, please join the Unofficial Facebook Fan Page.
Roster for Canada vs. USA, Friday June 18
1. Tabitha Stavrou 2. Kim Donaldson 3. Corinne Jacobsen 4. Marie-Eve Brindamour-Carignan 5. Megan Gibbs 6. Barbara Mervin 7. Gillian Florence 8. Kelly Russell 9. Laura Stoughton 10. Anna Schnell 11. Brittany Waters 12. Sarah Ulmer 13. Mandy Marchak 14. Maria Gallo -CAPTAIN- 15. Julianne Zussman 16. Ashley MacDonald 17. Marlene Donaldson 18. Jennifer Kish/Paige Knauf 19. Heather Jaques 20. Julia Sugawara 21. Brooke Hilditch 22. Heather Moyse
Canada Defeats USA 14-8 in Women's World Cup Warmup: Heather Moyse Scores Winner: Watch Game Online
posted June 14 2010
Olympic Bobsleigh Gold medalist Heather Moyse put an extra winning touch on an already perfect year as she scored in injury time to give Canada a 14-8 victory over the United States in the first match of their two game series. Both teams are preparing for the Women's World Cup to be held in England in August. Moyse was the top try scorer in the 2006 World Cup with seven tries.
Canada will be in a pool with France, Scotland and Sweden at the World Cup. Today's archived game can be watched below.
CANADIAN WOMEN UPSET FRANCE IN DIJON 14-5
posted Nov 18 2009 Rugby Canada Press Release [ed. nice to see one of the national teams overachieving, well done ladies.]
Canada's women's team has defeated France 14-5 in Dijon, to take the first of two test matches on their current tour.
Led by tries from second row Araba Chintoh and wing Cheryl Phillips (both of the Toronto Scottish club), Canada dominated throughout the game.
North Vancouver's Andrea Burk (Capilano RFC) slotted both conversions for four points.
Canada led the match 14-0 with ten minutes to go before Fanny Horta touched down for the home side.
France has edged Canada in the past two World Cups to finish in third place in the world standings, and also beat Canada 12-7 earlier this year in Oakville, ON at the Women's Nations Cup, underscoring just how large a win this is for the team.
Canada next plays France this weekend in Paris - prior to the Samoa vs France men's team game in the 80,000 seat Stade de France.
In news just released this morning from the International Rugby Board, Canada will be in a group with France, Scotland and Sweden for the 2010 World Cup being held in England beginning next August.
Scoring
Canada: Tries: Araba Chintoh, Cheryl Phillips Conversions: Andrea Burk
CANADA : 15. Darcy Patterson – 14. Julianne Zussman, 13. Cheryl Phillips, 12. Maria Gallo (cap), 11. Andrea Burk – 10. Anna Schnell, 9. Julia Sugawara – 8. Barbara Mervin, 7. Shannon Kane, 6. Heather Jaques – 5.Paige Burdett, 4. Araba Chintoh – 3. Corinne Jacobsen, 2. Brandi Van Eewen, 1. Tabitha Stavrou
Replacements : 16. Marelene Donaldson, 17. Donaldson, 18. Kelly Russell, 19 Megan Gibbs, 20. Laura Stoughton, 21. Sarah Ulmer, 22. Brooke Hilditch
Canada Defeats USA 25-17 in Glendale, Colorado
Rugby Canada Press Release posted June 29 2009
Canada has beaten the US women’s senior rugby team 25-17 to sweep the pair of matches taking place in Glendale, Colorado this week.
It is a gratifying result for new Canadian team coach John Long – who took over the post just three months ago – and opened his tenure with a 10-7 victory between the two country's A sides on Wednesday evening.
“The girls have worked extremely hard all week to put our methods into practice and I think everyone tried too hard at the start,” said Long of a slow Canadian start. “Once we relaxed we got into the groove.”
The U.S. actually scored first, five minutes into the match as the USA won a lineout and dished it to Beckett Royce who ran up the weak side and touched it down.
Canada tied the game shortly thereafter as Mandy Marchak also received an opportunity off the lineout and broke through the defense to score for the visiting side making for a 5 -5 hal time score.
In what was an extremely physical match, the U.S. saw both its flyhalf and inside center go down with injuries in the first half. Additionally, the English referee handed out four yellow cards, forcing both the U.S. and Canada to play short for 20 minutes of the game. Canada incurred its yellow cards in the first half, but the U.S. spread its out into the second and clearly started losing a bit of form in the pack.
“Half time brought a change of tactic with the forwards working hard to create faster ball,” explained Long. “This created opportunities for our backs who broke through the US defense to score a good try.”
Around the 50 minute mark, the U.S. was charged with repeated penalties within its own 22 and allowed Canada the opportunity to kick for three points, and earn its first lead of the day.
Less than 10 minutes later, Canada was starting to see some success at the hands of its backline and quick hands gave wing Maria Gallo the opportunity for her first try of the day. Canada’s Anna Schnell converted and its lead improved to 10.
Gallo would score one more in similar fashion just before the 70 minute mark, this one coming off a great run by Ashley Patzer, who popped it inside just in time to hit the open wing, who put five more on the board. This time the conversion missed, but Canada was in a good position with a 15 point lead and just 10 minutes left on the clock.
The USA’s winger Vanesha McGee would pick up the slack for the U.S. on the outside, and thanks to Stephanie Bruce’s 20 meter run, would get an opportunity to take it out wide and touch it down. The injured Bruce would slot the tough conversion, although visibly in pain and the U.S. would come within eight points with just over five minutes left.
The U.S. looked to have the opportunity they were looking for at the midfield mark, but then a kick to fullback Ashley Patzer dashed all hopes as she ran it up to within the USA’s own 10 meter line before getting tackled out of bounds.
Canada won the lineout and prop Leslie Cripps pushed it over for the Canadians. The conversion was missed, but Canada had basically sealed their victory, moving just out of reach for the U.S.
The U.S. wouldn’t go down lightly though and replacement winger Victoria Folayan got a bit of space on the outside in the last play of the game, touching down a try and allowing the U.S. to finish on a high note as the whistle blew after the conversion just fell short.
“We obviously would have liked to win this game,” Flores added. “But this is a stepping stone for us. It is all about getting to where we need to be at the World Cup in 2010 and this definitely gave us something to learn from.”
The Can-Am matches in Colorado were the first of five matches this summer, as the team kicks off its journey towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010, which is held in England next August and September. The Women’s Eagles will see their remaining games in the Nations Cup in Toronto in August.
The Women’s Can-Am matches will be uploaded in their entirety to the USA Rugby Media Center early next week for fans who missed the action live!
Canada Women’s Lineup: 1.Leslie Cripps; 2.Kim Donaldson (Leslie McKenzie in at halftime); 3.Marlene Donaldson; 4.Paige Burdette (Marie Eve Brindamour Carrigan in at 60:13); 5. Megan Gibbs; 6.Heather Jaques; 7. Gillian Florence (Kelly Russell in at 49:14; 8. Barbara Mervin (Nikki Tyminski in at 66:40); 9. Laura Stoughton; 10. Anna Schnell (Julia Suguwara in at 69:03); 11. Julianne Zussman (Cheryl Phillips in at 65:43) 12. Sarah Ulmer (Brooke Hilditch in at 73:16); 13.Mandy Marchak; 14. Maria Gallo; 15.Ashley Patzer
USA (17) Tries: Royce, McGee, Folayan Conversions: Bruce U.S. Women’s Lineup:
USA 1. Farrah Douglas; 2. Mari Wallace (Lisa Butts in at 77:44); 3. Jamie Burke; 4. Jillion Potter; 5. Sarah Walsh (Sharon Blaney in at 30:23); 6. Kristin Zdanczewicz; 7. Beckett Royce (Mel Denham in at halftime); 8. Blair Groefsema; 9. Claudia Braymer; 10. Stephanie Bruce; 11. Ashley Kmiecik (Victoria Folayan in at 62:45); 12. Mel Kanuk (San Juanito Moreno in at 66:40); 13. Lynelle Kugler; 14. Vanesha McGee; 15. Ashley English.
NSWT - Canada vs USA in Denver
posted June 27 2009 by BC Rugby News 7s Correspondent
The national coaching staff has announced their team to play the USA Women in Denver, Colorado on Saturday June 27, 2009. (see below)
After a week of preparation in the Mile High city, plus a mid-week fixture versus the USA ‘A’ Fifteen, Canada plays a one-off Test match.
Reports from Denver indicate that the team has had a solid week of training despite the heat in the elevated Colorado city.
The mid-week game against the USA ‘A’ side proved to be a close affair but on observation it was clear that Canada was trying to play all the rugby and not just adjust their style to combat anything the American were attempting.
In fact - it was the Americans who made the attempts to neutralize Canada instead of getting on with their own style of play and it proved to be their undoing.
New Coach John Long and his staff must have been pleased that their efforts to stress the positive aspects of the game won the day in the end.
Canada really got their game going shortly after the yellow card to Toronto Irish prop Tabatha Stavro – a card and punishment incidentally which looked very dubious indeed and did seem quite unwarranted at that juncture of the contest. Before yellow cards were invented referees had to rely of a stern ‘talking-to’ and clearly this would have sufficed on this occasion.
Regardless – shortly after this incident Sevens World Cup star Kelly Russell started a dramatic push from inside the Canadian 22 meter line – she forged up the middle of the field dismissing would-be tacklers before off-loading a pass to her captain Brooke Hilditch who simply outran the remaining Americans within reach. It was a sensational movement and resulting try – Hilditch’s elusive speed to the goal line was simply too much for any American in the immediate area.
Andrea Burke showed once again why having a top flight kicker on a team is absolutely essential – she notched the conversion and also made good on the penalty kick which ultimately won the game for the “A” fifteen.
The full Canada side to play the Americans is a good one – full of talent, skill and pace – plus there is some depth in experience at test match level.
The Americans at home are always tough so this test match should be a good one. Stay tuned for the full-time score.
