Here are three very varied items.
Canada v USA
These old foes met for the last time before the real battles begin. A record-breaking North American crowd of 11,453 provided a wonderful atmosphere.
They witnessed an exciting game in which the Eagles took early command to lead 14-0. They built powerful phases to keep the red shirts on the retreat.
Sione Fukofuka will be concerned about the second half. The Maple Leafs had already narrowed the gap to 12-14 before the break, but they added a further 28 points without response. It confirmed their high standing and lengthened their unbeaten record in this series of derbies.
One worrying moment came early on. Sophie de Goede was found guilty of a dangerous tackle. Fortunately for her the final verdict remained yellow.
In cold terms the result merely reflects the difference between the two sides: Canada have reserve strength to spare.
Result: 42-10
Scorers:
Canada: tries to McKinley Hunt, Gabrielle Senft, Olivia DeMerchant, Florence Symonds, Mikela Nelson, plus a penalty try. Conversions: SdG 4, Julia Schell 1.
USA: try to Freda Tafuna; McKenzie Hawkins 1 conversion and 1 penalty goal.
The Trophy
Let’s take another glance at the new trophy. It’s a beauty.
The main body takes on the shape of a rugby ball, but that’s only the start. The world is engraved just below the lip to reflect the spread of the women’s game. For this tenth RWC all six World Rugby regions are represented at the tournament.
The names of past winners are inscribed at the base. And the next name?
The whole is made of solid silver with 24-carat gold additions.
A trophy well worth striving for!
France v England
One detail about personnel is already known: Pauline Bourdon-Sansus will not be available after receiving a 2- match ban.
The curiosity is, the selectors picked only two No 9s in their RWC squad – just like the English. The other is Alex Chambon.
This isn’t yet a proper RWC match; merely a warm-up, so we may well see a new face added to the line-up.
But it demonstrates the selectors’ difficulties in trying to cover every possible hurdle in their choice of 32 players.
