Russell reaches 50 caps when Canada face Wales

It will be a special moment for Kelly Russell as she earns her 50th cap for her country on Sunday when Canada face Wales in the second round of pool matches at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The captain leads a side showing only one change to the starting lineup following the record-setting 98-0 thrashing of Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Billings Park in Dublin will again be the scene for the vital match whose result will have a massive influence on Canada’s semi-final hopes. Wales are currently ranked in 10th spot overall on the official World Rugby Rankings, seven spots below Canada.

The lone change to the run-on side is the recall of Julianne Zussman to fullback. Frédérique Rajotte drops out to make room with vice-captain Elissa Alarie shifting to the left wing.

There are two new faces on the bench who did not see action against Hong Kong. Barb Mervin replaces Cindy Nelles as back row cover and Chelsea Guthrie steps in for Brianna Miller as reserve scrumhalf.

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

CANADA
1 Carolyn McEwen, 2 Laura Russell, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Kayla Mack, 5 Latoya Blackwood, 6 Jacey Grusnick, 7 Karen Paquin, 8 Kelly Russell (capt.), 9 Lori Josephson, 10 Emily Belchos, 11 Elissa Alarie, 12 Andrea Burk, 13 Alex Tessier, 14 Magali Harvey, 15 Julianne Zussman

Replacements: 16 Jane Kirby, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Olivia DeMerchant, 19 Tyson Beukeboom, 20 Barb Mervin, 21 Chelsea Guthrie, 22 Amanda Thornborough, 23 Brittany Waters