It’s been quite the summer for Canada’s national women’s rugby team. A third place finish at the World Cup Sevens in Moscow last month, a win at the U20 Nations Cup a week ago and now a thrilling, full-value 29-25 win over the always-powerful England.
Call it what it is: a new age for Canadian women’s rugby.
Better coaching at the women’s level, top level Sport Canada funding through the Own the Podium program; whatever it is, the women’s program is in as good shape as its ever been.
Tuesday’s win open their senior Nations Cup campaign on just the right foot. Canada hadn’t defeated the English in two decades. To score five tries in the win should give a huge suggestion to what’s going right for this team right now.
The Canadians attacked with ambition, using pace outside, and impressive inside running to push the English back whenever they were on attack. And the defence was stellar too.
Leading 24-18 with 20 minutes remaining, the Canadians spent 15 minutes turning back attack after attack before the English finally burst the line, taking a 25-24 lead with five minutes left.
Canada went back to what had brought them success all day long, move the ball wide and looking for deft off-loads. It took just a minute and a half for the strike-back, with Magali Harvey driving over the line for the game-winning score.
Harvey bagged two tries in the match, along with the impressive Elissa Alarie. Fly half Cheryl Phillips looked to run at the English back line at every opportunity and was rewarded with a try of her own. Andrea Burk kicked two conversions, four points that proved to be the difference in the game.
Canada’s next game is next Monday vs the USA.
Elissa Alarie (x2), Magali Harvey (x2) and Cheryl Phillips,
Rugby Canada: Women open Nations Cup with huge defeat of England
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