Wales exit Women's World Cup after being outclassed by Canada
Canada's all-court game was too much for Wales to handle at times as the world's number two ranked side flexed their muscles in Salford
©Molly Darlington - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
If there was a notion that Canada had entered this Women’s Rugby World Cup under the radar, then they won’t be overlooked for much longer.
While much of the attention has centred around England’s Red Roses, the world’s number two-ranked side ruthlessly went about their business in their first game against Fiji and backed it up with a comfortable 42-0 win over Wales.
For Wales, their World Cup hopes are now over and in truth, they may have sensed their campaign had slipped away from them after last Saturday’s lacklustre 38-8 defeat to Scotland, billed as the decider for the runners-up spot in Pool B.
That tough loss left them with a mountain to climb, and following this latest defeat to pool favourites Canada, their World Cup dreams came to an end in Salford despite a vastly improved showing.
As for the North Americans though, it is a different story. A quarter-final place is now locked in, but their final group stage game could be far from a dead rubber. With Scotland also in contention for top spot, the match could decide who avoids facing England in the last eight.
But for now, Canada ooze rhythm. In the lead-up to the World Cup, they were on a seven-match unbeaten run and since arriving on English soil, that form has only gathered pace.
First half tries from McKinley Hunt (2), Alysha Corrigan and Asia Hogan-Rochester were added to by Taylor Perry and Brittany Kassil in the second 40.
To Wales’ credit though, and in the wake of last week’s sluggish start against Scotland, they were fired up early on, bringing the physicality coach Lynn had asked for.
After some early attacking promise, they were able to disrupt Canada's first forays into the 22, but despite some immense defensive work - led by No. 8 Georgia Evans - Sophie de Goede was able to carry hard and shuffle the ball onto Hunt to down dot.
One Canada chance, first Canada try.
Wales’ hard work in defence was beginning to be outshone by Canada’s precise offloading game and quick ruck speed. That paved the way for their second try with Saracens’ Corrigan going over on 26 minutes.
The joined up Wales rearguard was now becoming fraught and try number three and four swiftly followed. Hunt grabbed a second before Hogan-Rochester brushed off a couple of tackles to glide over from distance.
Wales couldn’t afford to let their heads drop, but when Evans was sent to the sin bin for a shoulder-to-head tackle six minutes after the restart, the task to remain resilient became even tougher for Lynn's troops.
Perry darted over for Canada's fifth, with lock de Goede keeping up her 100 per cent record from the tee, before Kassil followed suit two minutes later.
It was then Canada's turn to be reduced to 14 with Olivia DeMerchant yellowed for a high shot, and it triggered Wales to lift themselves. There was a bit more fizz about them and backed by a loyal following, they were held up on the Canada line before Carys Cox was carried into touch after some improved interplay.
However, the elusive try wasn't forthcoming for Wales, but they did manage to keep Canada quiet in the final quarter as the Canucks saw out the victory.
The variety in the Canadian game - whether it is the work-rate of their forwards punching the gainline or their electric backs - is a blend which makes them serious contenders for the tournament, and it was on full display in Manchester.
Canada were fourth in the 2021 World Cup, but right now, they arguably look like the nearest challengers to England for the World Cup crown.
For Wales, it was step in the right direction, but they were again outclassed by a better side. They will have a final chance to restore further pride against Fiji in Exeter.
Wales head coach Sean Lynn: “I saw improvements and that’s what I wanted. The glimpses I saw in the last 20 minutes, that’s what I wanted but we didn’t capitalise in that first quarter. But I’m super proud of them."
Canada: McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin; Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom; Caroline Crossley, Karen Paquin, Gabrielle Senft; Justine Pelletier, Taylor Perry; Asia Hogan-Rochester, Alex Tessier, Florence Symonds, Alysha Corrigan; Julia Schell.
Replacements: Gillian Boag, Brittany Kassil, Olivia Demerchant, Courtney O’Donnell, Fabiola Forteza; Olivia Apps, Claire Gallagher, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
Wales: Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu; Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb; Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis (capt.), Georgia Evans; Keira Bevan, Lleucu George; Lisa Neumann, Courtney Keight, Carys Cox, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers; Nel Metcalfe.
Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Branwen Metcalfe; Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Kerin Lake.
