Manchester, England — Canada powered past Wales with a commanding 42–0 victory on Saturday, scoring six tries and moving within reach of the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.
If Scotland defeats Fiji later, both Canada and Scotland will secure advancement from Pool B, eliminating Wales and Fiji from contention.
Set-piece dominance
Canada’s forwards were outstanding, controlling the scrums and lineouts while fueling long attacking phases. Apart from two lineout overthrows, Canada’s front five were flawless, routinely pushing Wales backwards and setting the platform for rolling mauls and sustained pressure.
Prop McKinley Hunt scored twice, replacement prop Brittany Kassil added one, and winger Asia Hogan-Rochester thrilled with a dazzling 70-meter solo try. Right wing Alysha Corrigan and flyhalf Taylor Perry also crossed, while lock Sophie de Goede produced a player-of-the-match performance with 20 carries, 10 tackles, and a perfect six-from-six conversion record.
Captain Alex Tessier praised her pack: “We were very dominant in the set-piece, it was amazing to watch our girls dominate the scrums, and the lineout was still strong for us.”
Wales overpowered
Wales began brightly, camping in Canada’s 22 for the first 10 minutes, but once Canada settled, their power told. Four tries in a blistering 15-minute spell before halftime left Wales reeling.
In the second half, discipline issues crept in, with both teams receiving yellow cards. Canada had a potential Gabrielle Senft try disallowed, but soon capitalized when Wales No. 8 Georgia Evans was sin-binned for a high tackle. Perry and Kassil both scored during the numerical advantage, sealing Canada’s emphatic win.
Even reduced to 14 players after Olivia DeMerchant was carded for a head-high tackle, Canada’s defense held firm to deny Wales a consolation.
Historic dominance
The result extended Canada’s winning streak against Wales to eight straight matches since 2007, with the Welsh blanked for the third time in that span.
With momentum building, Canada now look well placed to progress deep into the tournament.