Canada power past Scotland 40–19 in Pool B clash
Francesca McGhie of Scotland runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Alex Tessier of Canada during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool B match
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Canada produced a strong forward-driven performance to defeat Scotland 40–19 in a physical Pool B encounter at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Led by dominant maul execution and clinical finishing, the Canadians pulled clear in the second half after a competitive opening forty minutes.
The match began with early pressure from Canada and it didn’t take long to yield points. In the 10th minute, McKinley Hunt stormed over for the opening try after a series of carries close to the line. Captain Sophie de Goede added the conversion to make it 7–0.
Scotland answered in the 22nd minute with a well-worked move finished by winger Rhona Lloyd, bringing the score to 7–5.
However, momentum shifted when Scottish flanker Evie Gallagher was sent to the sin bin in the 31st minute for repeated team infringements. Just one minute later, Canada were awarded a penalty try as a maul was collapsed by the undermanned Scottish pack, pushing the score to 14–5 with an automatic conversion.
The Canadians weren’t done yet in the first half. Emily Tuttosi, a constant threat from lineout mauls, scored in the 34th minute to extend the lead. De Goede’s conversion attempt was missed, leaving the halftime score at 19–5.
Scotland started the second half brightly. Gallagher, making amends for her earlier yellow card, burst over in the 51st minute for a crucial try, which Helen Nelson converted to narrow the deficit to 19–12.
But the Canadians responded quickly. Tuttosi bagged her second try in the 57th minute after another driving maul, with de Goede converting to stretch the lead to 26–12.
Brittany Kassil added Canada’s fifth try in the 64th minute after sustained pressure, and de Goede again slotted the conversion, making it 33–12.
Scotland managed to pull one back in the 75th minute as Francesca McGhie found space to touch down, and Nelson’s conversion brought it to 33–19.
However, Canada would have the final say. Olivia DeMerchant powered through in the 78th minute for their sixth try, and Alex Tessier capped it off with a successful conversion, sealing a convincing 40–19 victory.
