Three changes to Canada for Australia test

Frédérique Rajotte will get her first start of the tour as Canada face Australia in their final match of the International Women’s Rugby Series on Friday evening. The speedy winger replaces the injured Elissa Alarie in one of three changes to the starting lineup from the team that was narrowly beaten by England in an exciting contest on Monday.

World Cup hooker Mary-Jane Kirby returns to the front row with the versatile Laura Russell switching to lock in place of Tyson Beukeboom. A reshuffled midfield sees Emily Belchos and Amanda Thornborough shift one spot in to flyhalf and inside centre respectively and Brittany Waters is recalled to the outside center position. Brianna Miller is added to the bench in one further change to the roster.

Australia have dropped both of their games decisively and while they share the same 0-2 record as Canada, the North Americans will be considered heavy favorites after very competitive matches against top sides England and New Zealand. The match will be Canada’s last before their 2017 World Cup opener against Hong Kong in Dublin on August 9.

Kickoff at Smallbone Park in Rotorua is set for 8:30pm Eastern, 5:30pm Pacific. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.

CANADA
1 Carolyn McEwen, 2 Mary-Jane Kirby, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Kayla Mack, 5 Laura Russell, 6 Jacey Grusnick, 7 Karen Paquin, 8 Kelly Russell (capt.), 9 Lori Josephson, 10 Emily Belchos, 11 Frédérique Rajotte, 12 Amanda Thornborough, 13 Brittany Waters, 14 Magali Harvey, 15 Julianne Zussman

Replacements: 16 Brittany Kassil, 17 Olivia DeMerchant, 18 Tyson Beukeboom, 19 Cindy Nelles, 20 Barb Mervin, 21 Chelsea Guthrie, 22 Alex Tessier, 23 Brianna Miller