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It’s now been five years since Canada and England clashed in the 2014 World Cup Final, and while the personnel might have changed the cordial rivalry remains. Both teams are coming off a win in the Women’s Rugby Super Series but the Red Roses enjoyed a bye in the previous round after their opening day win over the USA.
Despite the rest, Simon Middleton has opted to make several changes to his team. An all-new front row features Vickii Cornborough, Lark Davies, and Hannah Botterman with Cath O’Donnell coming in at lock. Sarah Beckett starts on the blindside flank and captain Sarah Hunter returns from concussion at No8.
The backs have a more settled look to them with the halfbacks retained but there is a notable switch in the midfield as Millie Wood replaces Emily Scarratt at outside center. On the wing there is a start for Carys Williams in place of Lydia Thompson.
Canada bounced back from their opening round loss to New Zealand with a convincing win over France. Sandro Fiorino has kept most of the forwards intact, making just two changes. Captain Laura Russell returns at hooker and Gabrielle Senft comes in on the blindside with Janna Slevinsky moving to openside.
There are three changes in the backs. Brianna Miller is recalled at scrumhalf at the expense of Lori Josephson. Sara Kaljuvee replaces Amanda Thorborough in the midfield, with Alex Tessier bumping out one spot to No13. Alysha Corrigan comes in for Sabrina Poulin on the left wing.
Middleton says the Canadian win over France caught him by surprise.
“I think Canada have got the competition going with their performance against France as I don’t think many people expected them to win. They play very differently now to what they used to, and they play to their strengths which is that physical nature.
“They’re really organised, come at you in attack in a very specific manner and can be very difficult to get the ball off. They have also grown their kicking game which proved to be very effective against both New Zealand and France so it’s going to be a massive challenge.”
Kickoff is set for 5:15pm local time, 8:15pm Eastern. Live broadcasts will be available on FloRugby in the USA and Sky Sports in the UK. Tickets are available now on the USA Rugby site.
[EDIT: A late change sees Emily Scott replacing Sarah McKenna at fullback for England.]
CANADA
1 Olivia DeMerchant, 2 Laura Russell (capt.), 3 DaLeaka Menin, 4 Tyson Beukeboom, 5 Jacey Grusnick, 6 Gabrielle Senft, 7 Janna Slevinsky, 8 Sophie de Goede, 9 Brianna Miller, 10 Taylor Black, 11 Alysha Corrigan, 12 Sara Kaljuvee, 13 Alex Tessier, 14 Paige Farries, 15 Elissa Alarie
Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 18 Maude Laliberté, 18 Veronica Harrigan, 19 Courtney Holtkamp, 20 Marie-Pier Fauteux, 21 Sara Svoboda, 22 Lori Josephson, 23 Anaïs Holly
ENGLAND
1 Vickii Cornborough, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Hannah Botterman, 4 Cath O’Donnell, 5 Zoe Aldcroft, 6 Sarah Beckett, 7 Jo Brown, 8 Sarah Hunter (capt.), 9 Claudia Macdonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 11 Kelly Smith, 12 Amber Reed, 13 Millie Wood, 14 Carys Williams, 15 Emily Scott
Replacements: 16 Heather Kerr, 17 Ellena Perry, 18 Chloe Edwards, 19 Abbie Scott, 20 Poppy Cleall, 21 Leanne Riley, 22 Emily Scarratt, 23 Lydia Thompson
Date: Saturday, July 6
Venue: Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista
Kickoff: 17:15 local (20:15 Eastern)
Referee: Amy Perrett (ARU)
Assistants: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR) & Kat Roche (USAR)
Broadcasts: FloRugby (USA), Sky Sports (UK)
