As expected, the Canada U20s came for blood today, having lost Wednesday’s Can-Am game 38-22 to the Women’s Junior All Americans (WJAAs). The visitors exerted themselves early on, as the WJAAs struggled to find some continuity. But it was a slow build for the Americans, and the hosts didn't allow another point-against in their 32-5 win.

The game’s onset was eerily similar to Wednesday’s match, only it was Canada who imposed themselves through the first seven minutes of play, which stayed in the USA’s end. The Americans had opportunities to relieve pressure, but two lost scrums to a very strong Canadian pack kept the hosts on defense. Eventually, that possession turned into a try when Canada worked the overload and put the ball in wing Maddy Graham’s hands. She got past Tess Feury and beat Danielle Ordway coming across into the corner, 5-0.

The WJAAs struggled to find their rhythm. The Canada U20 forwards stole four scrums in the first half, and captain WJAA Kyla Chipman saved a couple of retreating  set pieces, digging out the ball and moving it quickly. Lineouts, too, weren’t a solid attacking platform. Breakdown penalties, lots of knock-ons, and balls stripped out of contact stifled a uniform effort.

But after that opening try, Canada did not grace the scoreboard again. WJAA coach Wil Snape indicated after Wednesday’s game that the team needed to lock up its defense, and although there were a couple of big linebreaks, the All Americans shone in this aspect of the game.

As the teams wrestled for control, play became frenetic at times – 50/50 passes – as the teams attempted to break the game in their favor.

It took approximately 33 minutes, but the USA took the lead with a CJ Whiteside try. Play had stayed near Canada’s 22 meter for a few minutes, and the USA finally moved the ball to able attackers Nate Serevi and Whiteside, who slipped into the corner for the score. McKenzie Hawkins had a great day off the tee (and on defense), and added the first of her three conversions for the 7-5 lead.

With the boost, the Americans were a little more confident with ball in hand, and did well to convert their final possession of the half into points. Fallbrook High School flanker Michel Navarro finished off a series of great offloads to score from about 10 meters out, 14-5 with Hawkins’ extras.

Unlike Wednesday, the WJAAs did well to retain the momentum they established at the end of the first half. Hawkins placed a penalty kick inside Canada’s 22 meter, and the forwards did well to drive the lineout to the line. Lock Jenny Johnson touched down and Hawkins converted, 21-5.

Impact subs worked onto the field, and they lived up to expectations. From another lineout, front-row reserve Lanoira Duhart took an inside ball off Hawkins to get the defense moving backward. The ball worked down the line to Feury, who pushed her opposite down the sideline. Serevi picked up from the tackle and skirted down the weakside for the score, 26-5.

The final quarter of the match was a little more even, as Canada refreshed its ranks, and the teams traded turnovers and breakaways. But the reliable boot of Hawkins kept striking, and the inside center added two penalties before game’s end, 32-5.

The WJAAs won the Can Ams, finishing with a 2-0 record and outscoring the Canada U20s 70-27. Stay tuned for player and coach insight.

USA 32
Tries: Johnson, Navarro, Serevi, Whiteside
Cons: Hawkins 3
Pens: Hawkins 2

Canada 5
Tries: Graham