Can Canada Start Strong at the World Cup with Schell's Six Tries?

In a stunning display of skill and athleticism, Julia Schell scored six tries in a single match during Canada's Women's Rugby World Cup opener, leading her team to a commanding 65-7 victory against Fiji. This remarkable performance marks a new high point in Schell's career, having previously scored just three tries in 25 international appearances.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Canada’s Thrilling Win

• Julia Schell’s six tries in the second half highlight her explosive talent.
• Canada scored a total of 11 tries against Fiji in their World Cup opener.
• Sophie de Goede, returning from injury, opened the scoring for Canada.
• Canada aims to clinch their first Women’s World Cup title after finishing as runners-up in 2014.
• Fiji’s resilience was showcased with a well-executed try despite the scoreline.

Match Overview

Canada's Women's Rugby World Cup campaign kicked off successfully with a decisive 65-7 triumph over Fiji at York Community Stadium. The match saw the Canadian squad, ranked second in the tournament, dominate throughout, particularly in the second half where Schell's try-scoring spree captivated fans.

A Historic Performance by Julia Schell

Julia Schell's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. After the Fijians scored their only try of the match, Schell responded with six tries in just 23 minutes, showcasing her remarkable speed and agility. Her accomplishment places her among the elite in Women's Rugby World Cup history, becoming only the second woman to score six tries in a single match.

However, while this achievement is impressive, it falls short of the World Cup record set by New Zealand's Portia Woodman, who scored eight tries against Hong Kong in 2017. Regardless, Schell's effort was a pivotal moment for Canada, bolstering both her personal record and the team's confidence moving forward.

Canada’s Strong Start

Canada's victory was built on a foundation of early scoring, beginning with Sophie de Goede's try just six minutes into the match. De Goede, who captained Canada to a fourth-place finish in the previous World Cup but missed the 2024 Olympics due to injury, demonstrated her importance to the team by leading from the front.

Following her opening score, Gillian Boag, Caroline Crossley, and Alysha Corrigan all contributed tries in the first half, further extending Canada's lead. Despite a minor setback when Taylor Perry was sin-binned for head-on-head contact, the Canadian team maintained composure and discipline.

Fiji’s Courageous Effort

Fiji, despite the scoreline, displayed moments of brilliance. Their lone try was a result of effective teamwork, culminating in Kolora Lomani crossing the line after a slick passing move. This effort showed that Fiji could compete at this level, even if they struggled to contain Canada's relentless attack.

However, Fiji's performance highlighted the challenges they face in this tournament. With a primarily amateur squad up against seasoned professionals, maintaining consistency and composure will be crucial in their upcoming matches.

Concerns for Canada

While Canada celebrated their victory, there were concerns regarding player injuries. Starting wing Fancy Bermudez was forced to leave the pitch with a leg injury shortly after halftime, raising questions about her availability for future fixtures. The team will need to monitor her condition closely as they progress through the tournament.

Looking Ahead: Canada’s Title Aspirations

This match set a positive tone for Canada as they pursue their first Women’s Rugby World Cup title. Historically, they have performed well, having participated in every edition since the tournament's inception but falling short of clinching the trophy. Their closest opportunity came in 2014 when they finished as runners-up against England.

With strong performances expected from players like Sophie de Goede and Julia Schell, Canada is well-positioned to advance deep into the tournament. If the seedings hold true, they may find themselves facing England again in the final, creating an exciting narrative for fans and players alike.

Canada’s Squad and Depth

Canada's roster showcases a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Players like Kassil, Boag, and Crossley have proven themselves on the international stage, while younger players are gaining invaluable experience. The depth of the squad will be critical as they navigate the rigours of the tournament.

The substitutes, including Tuttosi, Hunt, and Beukeboom, bring fresh energy and skills, ensuring Canada can maintain high performance levels throughout the matches. This combination of experience and youth could be the key to their success as they aim for glory.

Conclusion: A Promising Start for Canada

Canada’s emphatic victory over Fiji not only sets a strong foundation for their World Cup campaign but also highlights the incredible talents within their squad. Julia Schell's six-try feat will be remembered as a historic moment, and the team's overall performance indicates that they are serious contenders for the title.

As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Canada builds on this momentum and whether they can finally achieve the ultimate goal of winning the Women's Rugby World Cup. With the potential for exciting match-ups ahead, the stage is set for an exhilarating tournament.

FAQs

What is Julia Schell’s rugby background?

Julia Schell has made 25 appearances for Canada before this match, scoring three tries prior to her remarkable six-try performance against Fiji, highlighting her development as a key player.

What are Canada’s previous Women's Rugby World Cup achievements?

Canada has participated in every Women's Rugby World Cup since its inception. Their best performance was in 2014 when they finished as runners-up against England.

How can Fiji improve in future matches?

Fiji can focus on maintaining composure and consistency in their game while building on their moments of brilliance, such as their well-executed try against Canada.

What impact does player injury have on team performance?

Injuries can significantly affect team performance, particularly if key players are sidelined. Canada will need to adapt quickly should injuries persist in their squad.

What are the expectations for Canada in this tournament?

Canada is expected to be a strong contender for the title, aiming to secure their first Women's Rugby World Cup victory after several near misses.