Canada set for World Cup match against Australia

Canada will play its final match of the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup on Saturday when they meet Australia at Queen’s University in Belfast. The two sides will contest 5th place overall. Australia defeated hosts Ireland by 36-24 on Tuesday while Canada dominated Wales to the tune of 52-0.

Three changes are made to the starting XV for Canada with one positional switch. DaLeaka Menin is recalled at tighthead prop as Olivia DeMerchant returns to the bench in the only alteration among the forwards. The backs see the return of Magali Harvey from injury while Alex Tessier starts at flyhalf with Emily Belchos bumped to the midfield and Brittany Waters among the reserves.

It’s a midfield arrangement that was first seen against England on Canada’s tour to New Zealand in June, and one that impressed with the defending World Champions just escaping on that day by 27-20.

Canada’s most recent match against Australia came at the tail end of that tour, a crushing 45-5 win that will be fresh in the memories of the Australians as they seek redemption.

Kickoff is set for 5pm local time, noon Eastern. The match will be broadcast live on TSN with a live stream provided by World Rugby.

CANADA
1 Carolyn McEwen, 2 Laura Russell, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Cindy Nelles, 5 Latoya Blackwood, 6 Jacey Grusnick, 7 Karen Paquin, 8 Kelly Russell (capt.), 9 Brianna Miller, 10 Alex Tessier, 11 Elissa Alarie, 12 Emily Belchos, 13 Amanda Thornborough, 14 Magali Harvey, 15 Julianne Zussman

Replacements: 16 Jane Kirby, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Olivia DeMerchant, 19 Kayla Mack, 20 Barb Mervin, 21 Chelsea Guthrie, 22 Andrea Burk, 23 Brittany Waters