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Captain’s log: Alex Tessier, the Canada skipper, had this to say in the buildup to today’s knockout clash.
“Pressure is a privilege and we’re looking forward to a good battle on Saturday. We took a lot of learnings [from the win against Scotland]. We didn’t apply the same pressure that we normally do. We’ve looked at this week, and we’re looking forward to putting teams under pressure and building on it as well. We’ve fixed a couple of errors, but there was nothing major.”
Rob Kitson was in Exeter for today’s first quarter-final: the Black Ferns coming through after South Africa put on a mighty first-half effort. Please enjoy Rob’s rip-roaring report responsibly!
In New Zealand rugby the female of the species is currently deadlier then the male. South Africa’s women were always going to struggle to replicate the Springboks’ record-breaking result in Wellington a few hours earlier but, after a stuttering first half, the Black Ferns raised their game significantly in the second to secure their place in next weekend’s World Cup semi-finals.
Australia team
Jo Yapp makes two swaps to the Australia XV that took on England: Emily Chancellor and Cecilia Smith are experienced replacements for two veterans, Ashley Marsters and Trilleen Pomare.
The Wallaroos are a young, dynamic side with lively ball-carrying skills. Full-back Caitlyn Halse, who turns 19 next week, has started every game of this World Cup. Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller are both rapid, both gamechangers (providing Australia can get the ball to the pair in the right areas).
Australia: Caitlyn Halse; Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Cecilia Smith, Desiree Miller; Faitala Moleka, Samantha Wood; Lydia Kavoa, Adiana Talakai, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor, Siokapesi Palu (capt).
Replacements: Katalina Amosa, Faliki Pohiva, Bridie O’Gorman, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Tia Hinds, Trilleen Pomare.
Canada team
Three changes to Kévin Rouet’s lineup from the 40-19 win against Scotland: Courtney O’Donnell and Caroline Crossley are in the pack, Alysha Corrigan will look to show her skills on the wing.
The fact that imposingly named Tyson Beukeboom drops to the bench says more about the number of options Rouet has at his disposal than anything the 81-cap Canada icon has done wrong. Julia Schell is the tournament’s joint-top try scorer from the pool stage, putting six on Fiji. Sophie de Goede is just, well, too good (sorry): a deadly kicker and a danger with the ball in hand.
Canada: Julia Schell; Alysha Corrigan, Florence Symonds, Alex Tessier (capt), Asia Hogan-Rochester; Taylor Perry; Justine Pelletier; McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin, Sophie de Goede, Courtney O’Donnell, Caroline Crossley, Karen Paquin, Fabiola Forteza.
Replacements: Gillian Boag, Brittany Kassil, Olivia DeMerchant, Tyson Beukeboom, Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft, Olivia Apps, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
Preamble
Welcome to the second World Cup quarter-final: Canada v Australia for a place opposite the defending champions New Zealand in the last four. Canada are ranked No 2 in the world, went unbeaten in the group phase and – despite being almost entirely amateur and largely self-funded – are firm favourites today. Australia are seventh in the world rankings, won one match in qualifying from Pool A and have never beaten Canada in seven attempts.
And yet … let’s not entirely write off the Wallaroos. They emerged from the toughest group, drew with the USA in what was essentially an early qualification shootout and, in their last outing, gave England more problems than the final scoreline suggested. Australia led the hosts and tournament favourites for 26 minutes before succumbing in the second half.
Meanwhile Scotland put three tries on Canada in their last game and – for all the brilliance of Sophie de Goede, Julia Schell, Alex Tessier et al – you feel there is room for Kévin Rouet’s side to improve. Australia have some exciting young stars, not least the 18-year-old sensation Caitlyn Halse and the lighting-quick Desiree Miller (five tries and counting in this World Cup).
To counteract that, you only have to look at Canada’s bench, which includes the likes of record cap-holder Tyson Beukeboom and the versatile Laetitia Royer, to understand their strength in depth. They have a world-class pack and even if Australia get off to a promising start at Ashton Gate, Canada may well crank up the power in the second half. Will we see an upset or the Maple Leafs put on a dazzling early autumn show? Let’s find out!
Kick-off is at 4pm BST.
