Canada v Scotland
Canada were made to work hard for their victory, in worthy contrast to other games played today.
The result was a tribute to the Scots, who are unlikely ever to build a squad with a similar depth to their opponents’.
Florence Symonds made an early break to which the pack added with pick and drives; try McKenzie Hunt. (7-0)
Symonds v Emma Orr in the centre is a sight worth watching.
Scotland had chances too, but a delayed pass from Chloe Rollie to Rhona Lloyd, then a lack of weight and cohesion up front, prevented a quick reply.
On 20 minutes two penalties set them up. They combined well to send Lloyd over on the right edge. (7-5)
The game lurched as Evie Gallagher was shown yellow for a line-out offence. A penalty try to Canada was the inevitable result (14-5). But up to the break they could add only one more score, the result of excellent links and off-loads; try Emily Tuttosi.
Half-time 14-5
Though the match favourites remained the likely winners all through, it was Francesca McGhie who made the first of two dangerous runs. Then Gallagher, once more their star turn, suddenly broke free and was over for a solo try. It reduced the margin to a single score. (19-12)
The big crowd was getting its moneys worth. By the way, when was Sandy Park last full in all four stands for an England international?
Canada reacted. Alex Tessier kicked a fine penalty to five metres out, Tuttosi forced a gap and was over. (26-12)
Everyone thought Helen Nelson had scored a wonderful solo try. She ran on to a deliberate line-out overthrow to snake her way to the line. But no, we have TMOs: she had advanced too early.
Canada resorted to their superiority up front. Brittany Kassil, on her 50th appearance, was credited with their next score.
The Scots came back with a final blast, mounting a multi-phase move that was completed by their star winger McGhie. (33-19)
But the second favourites for the title had the last word: try to Olivia DeMerchant.
Result: Canada 40 Scotland 19
Player of the Match: Emily Tuttosi
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Attendance: 14,003
Both sides pass through to the quarters; Canada play Australia; Scotland take on England.
Wales v Fiji
Fiji score – photo: World Rugby
A game of high emotions. The two head coaches, Sean Lynn and Ioan Cunningham, had occupied the same post. For the players, so much was at stake, pride in performance above all.
Wales were desperate for a redeeming win, Fijiana for only a second victory at an RWC. Neutrals in the big crowd could support only the supposed underdogs.
Cymru scored five tries to Fiji’s four – yet they lost; not one conversion hit the target. In stark contrast Litiana Vueti was faultless. We must leave explanations for another day.
Both sides scored fine tries, both had others disallowed.
Wales’ inability to finish the game off spoke volumes. At different times, Belinda Moore and Lynn sought to put a gloss on Welsh failings. I doubt many of their fans can agree.
Carys Cox had a fine game; others had good moments.
For Fijiana, today sporting fetching light-blue jerseys, this was a day of triumph.
Result: Wales 25 Fiji 28
USA v Samoa
Sadly, the fourth game of the day could not provide a similar upset.
The USA Eagles flew off to a big victory, leaving Manusina Samoa empty-handed, despite all their hard work.
USA v Samoa – Photo World Rugby
Both have longer targets, to establish themselves more firmly on the world stage. For the USA passage through to the quarters remained very unlikely; Australia held all the right cards.
So not even an overwhelming victory could sweeten the taste of disappointment.
Two things count in American sport: star-dust and victory. Ilona Maher provided the first; she had one of her best games. Freda Tafuna was once more the outstanding performer, with four tries.
The second came too late: only one win in three attempts.
USA v Samoa Photo v World Rugby
Defenders of Sione Fukofuka’s position can rightly point to a task barely begun, but impatient fans may become more vociferous if concrete progress doesn’t come soon. To my mind the quickest routes is the WER league. But it still has to prove itself a more permanent answer than its predecessors.
Manusina Samoa weren’t allowed the delights of success that came to Fiji the same day, not even a single point to soften the blow.
World Rugby must now seek further means of assisting them out of their current plight – gross underfunding, huge sacrifices made by all the players and staff and a lack of quality matches to bolster their chances. The Oceania Cup is a start, yet not enough.
They love the game, but the hurdles they have to clear remain too high.
Result: USA 60 Samoa 0
