Pacific Four: Australia vs Canada – ARN Guide

Canada are looking to build on their lopsided first round victory over the USA when they collide with Australia in Sydney on Saturday in the second round of the Pacific Four. The Wallaroos have a new coach in former England international Jo Yapp and are currently ranked No5 in the world, just one spot below the Maple Leafs though there is a sizeable points gap between them.

QUOTES

MICHAELA LEONARD (Captain)

• “The last 18 months have seen a massive growth in the group on and off the field around our standards and culture so the group is in a good place at the moment. I think there’s been a shift in how much we expect from ourselves, how much we’re willing to put in and with the contracting over the last few years, it’s given girls an opportunity to develop a bit more.”

• “The coaching staff have brought in some really good structures and the environment has allowed the girls to express themselves but also set a really high standard. We’re playing eyes-up footy, giving girls the freedom to express themselves and play their skill set and the reason that’s got them into the squad on Saturday.”

KEVIN ROUET (Head Coach)

• “The team is excited for the opportunity to test themselves against another one of the top teams in the world and build off of our strong performance against the USA last week. Facing Australia on their home field in Sydney poses some unique challenges, but the team has prepared well this week and will be ready to go on Saturday.”

PREDICTION

Damp weather is on the forecast which is likely in Canada’s favor. The Maple Leafs were dominant winners last year and field an imposing forward pack who thrive in the tight-loose. Piper Duck will be an important ball carrier for the Wallaroos, but otherwise the visitors should have the edge up front as they build towards next week’s main event against New Zealand. Canada are clear favorites on the road.

LINEUPS

AUSTRALIA
1 Brianna Hoy, 2 Tania Naden, 3 Bridie O’Gorman, 4 Kaitlan Leaney, 5 Michaela Leonard (capt.), 6 Siokapesi Palu, 7 Ashley Marsters, 8 Piper Duck, 9 Layne Morgan, 10 Arabella McKenzie, 11 Desiree Miller, 12 Trilleen Pomare, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 14 Maya Stewart, 15 Lori Cramer

Replacements: 16 Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, 17 Sally Fuesaina, 18 Eva Karpani, 19 Atasi Lafai, 20 Leilani Nathan, 21 Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 22 Sammie Wood, 23 Faitala Moleka

CANADA
1 McKinley Hunt, 2 Sara Cline, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Tyson Beukeboom, 5 Laetitia Royer, 6 Pamphinette Buisa, 7 Sophie de Goede (capt.), 8 Gabrielle Senft, 9 Olivia Apps, 10 Claire Gallagher, 11 Paige Farries, 12 Alex Tessier, 13 Fancy Bermudez, 14 Maddy Grant, 15 Sarah-Maude Lachance

Replacements: 16 Emily Tuttosi, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Alex Ellis, 19 Courtney Holtkamp, 20 Fabiola Forteza, 21 Justine Pelletier, 22 Julia Schell, 23 Shoshanah Seumanutafa

MATCH DETAILS

Date: Saturday, May 11
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kickoff: 16:45 local (Friday 23:45 Pacific, Saturday 02:45 Eastern)
Weather Forecast: light rain, 64°F (18°C), wind NE 11-16mph (18-26km/h)
Broadcasts: RugbyPass, Stan Sport, TSN+

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand)
Assistants: Tiana Anderson (New Zealand) & Chloe Sampson (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

HISTORY

HEAD-TO-HEAD (5): Canada 5, Australia 0
2023-07-14 – Canada 45, Australia 7 (Ottawa)
2022-06-18 – Australia 10, Canada 22 (Whangarei)
2017-08-26 – Canada 43, Australia 12 (Belfast)
2017-06-17 – Australia 5, Canada 45 (Rotorua)
2014-06-06 – Australia 0, Canada 22 (Tauranga)