Confidence and Familiarity for USA vs Canada in WRWC
Confidence and Familiarity for USA vs Canada in WRWC
Canada has named their squad to face the USA in this weekend's Pool B match.
This is the third game in RWC 2021 (for clarity, the Women's Rugby World Cup played in 2022).
Starters: 1. Brittany Kassil 2. Emily Tuttosi 3. DaLeaka Menin 4. Courtney Holtkamp 5. McKinley Hunt 6. Karen Paquin 7. Sara Svoboda 8. Sophie De Goede (captain) 9. Justine Pelletier 10. Alex Tessier 11. Paige Farries 12. Sara Kaljuvee 13. Alysha Corrigan 14. Maddy Grant 15. Elissa Alarie
Reserves: 16. Gillian Boag 17. Mikiela Nelson 18. Olivia DeMerchant 19. Ngalula Fuamba 20. Tyson Beukeboom 21. Gabrielle Senft 22. Anais Holly 23. Julia Schell
The USA players know there's a task ahead of them.
“I would say the focus is we’ve proven that we can have those little successes and those little wins and now we have a better foundation to stand on," said prop Nick James. "We’ve proven that we can do it in the game and we just need to replicate that.”
USA pulls it out. @kelteralev has some thoughts. pic.twitter.com/tg4mb2XCTA
— Alex Goff (@goffrugbyreport) October 15, 2022
"This week we’ve just been refining a few things that we noticed from our previous two games," said USA flyhalf Gabby Cantorna. "So [we're] just trying to get better and the focus has been on us and our game plan moving into the week so that we’re all aligned and linked with what we want to accomplish.”
And the USA is coming out of an encouraging win over Japan.
“I mean it’s definitely a confidence booster to get a win under your belt, but we still didn’t play our game the way we wanted to beginning to end," said flanker Kathryn Johnson. "And I think there’s a lot for us polish up on. So, it’s always a good feeling but we’re on to the next mission.”
Even though Canada is assured of a quarterfinal spot, they have plenty to play for.
“This match is just as important as the other ones, and we want to win with the bonus point," said Canada Head Coach Kevin Rouet. "Yes, there is a couple of rotations in the team as there was after the second game. We have a solid group and what I liked with this group is we have 30 girls who could be on the field anytime against any team. I don’t do rotation to please the girls, I do rotation because I believe everybody needs to be involved.
“When you know them, it's easier to analyze them for sure," added the coach.. "It’s something you love to be confident about, understanding the team, and it’s easier with USA because they know those girls, they know how they play. We know they have strong players and even if they didn't get the chance maybe to have two good first games, we know against us it won't be the same, we know that.”
