(Montreal) Canadian women’s rugby union players wanted to send a clear message in their first match of the Pacific Four Series last weekend. This is what they did by winning 50-7 against the Americans in California.
“We always said there was a rivalry, but that’s no longer the case. We wanted to separate ourselves from them and demonstrate that we are not in the same class,” Alexandra Tessier told Sportcom.
This is a ninth Canadian victory in a row against the Americans.
Canada quickly took a 10-0 lead on Sunday after a try scored by Quebecer Laetitia Royer. The United States reduced the gap to 10-7, then Royer scored his second try of the game. The lead only grew from there at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.
“We wanted to score a lot of points to confirm our progress since our last game. Show other teams that we improve every game and that we are one of the best in the world,” added Tessier, who scored a convert in the victory.
Her teammate Sabrina Poulin agrees. The Canadians wanted to set their pace for their next two Pacific Four Series clashes.
“We arrived with confidence and we are happy with the result. We had to show that we were superior and we hope to build on that,” mentioned the Beauce athlete, who played in rugby 7s in recent weeks. Like a few teammates, including Gatineau resident Pamphinette Buisa.
Fabiola Forteza, Justine Pelletier, Mahalia Robinson and Sarah-Maude Lachance are the other Quebecers to have worn the colors of Canada for the occasion.
Whether they come from rugby sevens or a professional team in Europe or Oceania, Canadian women manage to find their bearings quickly when they are brought together as a national team.
“There was a little nervousness for our first match of 2024, but we broke the ice well. It’s always nice to win and it’s satisfying to win by a lot! We had some great moments on the pitch, but we have to continue working. We weren’t perfect for 80 minutes,” summarized Tessier.
After a first camp in Barcelona, the players trained in British Columbia before heading to Los Angeles to start this Pacific Four Series which has existed since last year.
They will face the Australians at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on May 11, then face the New Zealanders a week later.
The three best ranked nations at the end of this competition will then participate in the WXV tournament. They will join the top three teams in the Six Nations tournament, England, France and Ireland.
A 50e selection
Alexandra Tessier’s next selection for the national team will be number 50e of her career. A mark reached by few Canadian players.
“We’re playing more and more, but I haven’t missed many matches since 2015, so it still took time,” said the athlete from Coteau-du-Lac, who plays for the professional club of Exeter Chiefs, Premier 15s League, England.
“It’s something special and honestly, I’m still proud of it! It will be a moment that I will appreciate and it will be a great accomplishment! »
reference: www.lapresse.ca