Julia Schell scores six tries as Canada thrash Fiji in Women’s Rugby World Cup

Canada are quietly going about their business as the dark horses of this World Cup with eyes firmly on the hosts, England, and defending champions New Zealand. The team may benefit from flying under the radar but it does not make them any less a contender for the trophy. The clinical nature of their opener against Fiji announced their arrival in England in style, particularly through the full-back Julia Schell who was spectacular in the second half as she scored six tries in 21 minutes.

The fact Canada are being overlooked by many does not correlate to recent results with wins against Australia and the USA and a draw against the Black Ferns at Pacific Four. They are also ranked as the No 2 side in the world so the 11-try result was not surprising in the hugely physical battle which also saw replacement Fiji prop Bulou Vasuturaga shown a red card for a high tackle after a bunker review.

Fans had a glimpse of the intensity of a ruck or a scrum if they travelled by train with the match taking place on the same day as the York races. Before Canada were able to come out of the blocks they were hit with a minor injury, with the prop Olivia DeMerchant ruled out with DaLeaka Menin coming into the starting XV and Maya Montiel added to the bench.

Fiji, who are coached by former Wales coach Ioan Cunningham, were expected to start well and they fronted up in defence, forcing Canada to kick away possession but the women in red were the first to score through Sophie de Goede.

The support for Fiji among 4,810 fans was as ferocious as their tackles with every metre gained and hit made met with a wall of noise. Despite resolute defence, Canada were the next over through Gillian Boag after a catch and drive. Just as momentum was swinging firmly in Canada’s direction they were hit with a yellow card, which was referred to the bunker but remained a yellow, after the fly-half Taylor Perry made a high tackle.

Canada increased their lead with a try from Caroline Crossley and added another once back to 15 through Alysha Corrigan. Fiji finished the half strongly, with their brightest sparks Mereoni Nakesa and captain Alfreda Fisher, but were unable to convert it into points.

The best try of the match opened the second half and was greeted with the biggest cheer of the afternoon. Slick hands between what felt like every Fijian player saw replacement winger Kolora Lomani go over. Canada responded with Schell’s six tries and Fiji’s afternoon got worse with Vasuturaga’s yellow card upgraded to a red after a bunker review. Karen Paquin rounded off the scores in a dominant outing.

Canada’s rivals, the Red Roses and New Zealand, would have been watching knowing they cannot underestimate Canada’s challenge for the title.