France have so much experience of finishing third at world cups that you have to wonder whether the coaches needed to exercise them at all pre-match. Tough and resourceful as the Canadians were, the French had the edge at all the decisive moments. They used a following breeze to build attacking positions. Emilie Boulard
Canada v France This is the match that many people suggest is quite unnecessary. Is it just to provide a curtain-raiser for the big event? In the light of recent evidence we may wonder how many Kiwis will bother to turn up for a match not involving their beloved Black Ferns. They haven’t done so
Semi-final, World Cup Eden Park, Auckland Canada v England Before we think of congratulating England on reaching another final, we have to praise the extraordinary performance shown by the Maple Leafs throughout the game. For true amateurs to come so close to beating the short-odds favourites spoke volumes for their ability and fitness. They came
If nothing else, the Maple Leafs’ selection proves we will have to get used to surprise omissions. Among the non-travelling reserve list are such starry names as Cindy Nelles, Abby Duguid, Pam Buisa, and Janna Slevinsky. The management will have their own good reasons, but Nelles’ omission is a huge surprise for anyone who saw
Pacific Four series – Round Three Canada v Australia This was the sort of game the WXV was designed for. Amazingly the Wallaroos and the Maple Leafs had met only three times in the past and the Wallaroos had yet to win. The rain started shortly after kick-off and affected the flow of play. But
Pacific Four – Round Two This was the performance everyone, players, coaches, spectators, the nation had hoped for. It was as reassuring for the Black Ferns as it was concerning for the guests. The Preliminaries It was the hosts’ biggest test since the ill-fated autumn tour. It pitted second against third in world standings. Canada
This is the Black Ferns’ biggest test since the ill-fated autumn tour. It pits second against third in world standings. Both coaches have made changes to their sides, as was to be expected. Wayne Smith has sent just one side out to compete thus far, and Kevin Rouet is only slightly better armed with prior
Canada v USA – Pacific Four Round One Once again the Maple Leafs proved too knowing and composed for the Eagles. Both teams were some distance short of full strength as everyone caught up in the Saracens-Exeter Chiefs final in England couldn’t fly out in time. Even so, this left a lot of players available
Kevin Rouet has replaced Sandro Fiorino as Head Coach of Canada just seven months before the World Cup starts. Jamie Levchuk, the interim CEO of Rugby Canada, explains this as a difficult decision, made in part because the other main job Fiorino had as lead of a development programme had to be ended because of
England v Canada The Red Roses had to work very hard to overcome the Maple Leafs’ extreme resistance, but seven tries by the end told a familiar story. There was a moving prelude to the match, a bugler sounding the Last Post to commemorate Remembrance Day. How fitting that Canadians lined up alongside English, reminding
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