The long-awaited clash between Colombia and Kazakhstan edges an important step closer
Colombia have announced their travelling squad:
Ailyn Andrioly, Angela Álzate, Angie Manyoma, Annagith Vargas Torres, Catalina Arango, Claudia Betancur, Gales Avendaño, Gisel Gómez, Gloribeth Campos, Isabel Romero, Juliana Soto, Julieth Hernández, Laura Álvarez, Laura Mejía Diosa, Leidy García, Leidy Viviana Soto Espinosa (captain), Lizbeth Brant Restrepo,
Lopera Valle, Maira Cortes, Maira Martínez, María Camila, María Camila Rastrillon, María Isabel Arzuaga, Maribel Mestra, Natalia Barajas, Silvia Olave, Valentina Tapias Cano, Valeria Muñoz Cuartas, Yamileth Ramírez and Yina Quintero.
The sad reduction of this final instalment of the qualifying process from three matches to two means that six of the 29 players are unlikely to step on to the field. As the highest ranked nation the Scots were allowed to skip the intermediate stage and play its winners. Las Tucanes may have an advantage in having played test rugby more recently than the Kazakhs; they did outstandingly well to beat Kenya in Nairobi. But the Kazakhs’ higher ranking and their six appearances at past World Cups must give them the edge. So the Colombians could well be limited to this one game.
Once this latest stage is concluded, everyone working at World Rugby in Dublin is bound to be relieved beyond measure. When the expanded qualifying system for the RWC was announced – on 5 April 2019! – no-one could have imagined the delays and complications the pandemic would place in its path.
Memo: the game takes place on 19 February in Dubai.
