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Three matches in New Zealand are all that remain in Canada’s preparations for the 2017 Women’s World Cup, to be held in Ireland this August. Canada, currently 3rd on the official World Rugby Rankings, will play the strongest possible opposition in New Zealand, England, and Australia, who come in at No 1, 2, and 6 respectively. Selected by head coach François Ratier for the dress rehearsal are 28 players, a list that will be pared to 26 for the trip to Ireland.
Heading south are 25 of the 26 that traveled to San Diego for the Can-Am Series at the end of March. Anaïs Holly is the only player left out, with fellow Quebec native Alex Tessier recalled in her place after being unavailable for the USA tests. Chelsey Minter of Westshore and Kristy Sargent from Lep-Tigers in Edmonton have been added to bolster the front row, with Simon Fraser prop Demi Stamatakis ruled out due to injury.
Kickoff times and streaming details are still to be confirmed.
FORWARDS
Olivia DeMerchant (Castaway Wanderers), Brittany Kassil (Guelph Redcoats), Carolyn McEwen (Burnaby Lake), DaLeaka Menin (Calgary Hornets), Chelsey Minter (Westshore), Mary-Jane Kirby (Highland), Laura Russell (Cowichan), Kristy Sargent (Lep-Tigers), Tyson Beukeboom (Cowichan), Kayla Mack (Wild Oats), Latoya Blackwood (Westshore), Jacey Grusnick (Barrhaven Scottish), Barb Mervin (Westshore), Cindy Nelles (Belleville Bulldogs), Karen Paquin (CRQ), Kelly Russell (capt., Cowichan)
BACKS
Chelsea Guthrie (Strathcona Druids), Lori Josephson (Aurora Barbarians), Brianna Miller (Westshore), Emily Belchos (Westshore), Andrea Burk (Capilano), Alex Tessier (Montreal Barbarians), Amanda Thornborough (Westshore), Magali Harvey (CRQ), Frédérique Rajotte (SABRFC), Brittany Waters (Castaway Wanderers), Elissa Alarie (Westshore), Julianne Zussman (Castaway Wanderers)
FIXTURES
Friday, June 9 – vs New Zealand – Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Tuesday, June 13 – vs England – Rugby Park, Christchurch
Saturday, June 17 – vs Australia – Smallbone Park, Rotorua
