New Zealand vs Canada
Kickoff: 7pm Friday 19th September
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Watch on: BBC TWO
This is a game that many in the rugby world have been waiting for since the draw was finalised. The Black Ferns are the most dominant side in the world but have found playing Canada a tough challenge; their previous 2 encounters have ended in a draw and a Canadian victory. New Zealand have won 7 of the 9 women's world cups, and turn up when the time comes, but this time around things could be different for one reason - belief. Coming into this World Cup, England were ranked 1st in the world and Canada were ranked 2nd. New Zealand are 3rd and have lost to both of those sides since the World Cup. Teams still respect New Zealand but the level of fear has diminished somewhat.
Having said that, New Zealand will still be many people's favourites in this game given their collective prowess. Jorja Miller has transitioned seamlessly from rugby sevens and has brought a new level of dynamism to the New Zealand attack. She plays like a 3rd centre whilst having the attitude and physicality to be right at home in the back row but will unfortunately be missing this game due to a leg injury sustained against South Africa. Another youngster,who will be playing, and has added new levels to this team is Braxton Sorensen McGee. She was playing at fullback earlier in the year but, since Renee Holmes fought her way back into the team, she has had to find a place on the wing. She has, at just 18-years-old, made that shirt her own. The balance of the Black Ferns back three is now perfect; Holmes brings the control at 15, Sorensen-McGee brings the speed, and Woodman-Wickliffe brings the power. Their tough victory against South Africa was yet more proof that New Zealand can rely on their sturdy defence whilst knowing that they have the athletes I just mentioned who are ready to rip apart the opposition at a moment's notice.
As for Canada, they will look to take a page out of South Africa's book. The springboks women took the approach of pummelling New Zealand's defence with 15-player mauls and one-out carries from forwards. Canada won't go quite that far, but the likes of De Goede and Hunt are built perfectly to execute a similar game-plan. One match-up to watch in this game is Hogan-Rochester against Sorensen-McGee. Both of them have been huge threats for their sides but with different skillsets. They are both rapid, but Sorensen McGee likes to use her elusiveness whilst Hogan-Rochester loves a big hand-off. What I'm looking for if for Hogan-Rochester to attempt to dominate the physical battle between the two. It won't be easy but Canada have to mitigate her threat in order to win this game. Canada are a great team but they can't go into this game preparing for a try-fest. That will play into the hands of New Zealand. If Canada's pack can gain the advantage, this game will be a blockbuster.
The Black Ferns have made four changes to the side that beat New Zealand. As I mentioned earlier, Jorja Miller is injured. That means that Tukuafu will start in the back row. At scrum half. Pouri-Lane is back in the starting XV with Maia Joseph starting on the bench. Joseph had been injured at the start of this tournament but will now have had sufficient game-time to be ready to step in and make an impact with the game in full flow. Joseph will bring a unique skillset and experience to the final part of the game which, in a game like this, will be decisive. At inside centre, Sylvie Brunt returns from injury in the only other change to the back line.
After tinkering with his side in the early rounds of this tournament, it looks like Kevin Rouet has nailed down his best team. He has made no changes to the side that waltzed past the underwhelming Wallaroos. Sophie De Goede will be crucial to her side's success. She is a true ball-carrier who also possesses the ability to make quick passes in tight situations that unlock every defence on the planet. She is also a top-quality goal-kicker who will always keep her side in the game through her skill and leadership. She's surrounded by a heavy pack that could do some serious damage to the Black Ferns if they start slowing again.
This game is almost impossible to call. It comes down to whether you place more importance on recent form or believe in the undeniable aura developed over decades of dominance at the highest level. I can't answer that question but we'll find out what happens on Friday evening when the 2 teams clash at Ashton Gate.
Team news
New Zealand
Starting XV
1.Chryss Viliko 2.Georgia Ponsonby 3.Tanya Kalounivale 4.Maiakawanakaulani Roos 5.Alana Bremner
6.Liana Mikaele-Tu'u 7.Kennedy Tukuafu 8.Kaipo Olsen-Baker 9.Risi Pouri-Lane 10.Ruahei Demant(C)
11.Portia Woodman-Wickliffe 12.Sylvia Brunt 13.Stacey Waka 14.Braxton Sorensen-McGee 15.Renee Holmes
Bench
16.Atlanta Lolohea 17.Kate Henwood 18.Amy Rule 19.Chelsea Bremner
20.Layla Sae 21.Maia Joseph 22.Theres Setefano 23.Ayesha Leti-Iiga
Canada
Starting XV
1.McKinley Hunt 2.Emily Tuttosi 3.DaLeaka Menin 4.Sophie De Goede 5.Courtney O'Donnell
6.Caroline Crossley 7.Karen Paquin 8.Fabiola Forteza 9.Justine Pelletier 10.Taylor Perry
11.Asia Hogan-Rochester 12.Alex Tessier(C) 13.Florence Symonds 14.Alysha Corrigan 15.Julia Schell
Bench
16.Gillian Boag 17.Brittany Kassil 18.Olivia DeMerchant 19.Tyson Beukeboom
20.Laetitia Royer 21.Gabrielle Senft 22.Olivia Apps 23.Shoshanah Seumanutafa
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