Canada conquer U20s Can-Am title

Canada won the opening game of the two-game series 51-5 on Wednesday at the London St. Georges Rugby Club in London, Ontario.

The two nations are two of the rare nations who compete regularly at this age-group but Canada proved far too strong.

Featuring eight changes to the line-up from the opening day win, the young Canadian side was slightly nervous, dropping several balls in the opening minutes, but quickly calmed down and rose to the challenge.

After several phases of possession Canada were the first team on the scoreboard in the 13th minute with a try by Coreen Riley. The play started with scrumhalf Jess Neilson as she took a quick penalty run deep in American territory before eventually distributing to the scorer Riley.

Just minutes later Canada would score again after a brilliant run by centre Breanne Nicholas. From the base of a centre-field scrum Neilson passed to Nicholas along the right sideline who, after flying by a handful of defenders, was finally taken down deep in American territory. From the proceeding ruck Canada was able to capitalise on the good territory and Riley crossed over the line for her second try of the evening.

In the 28th minute Canada would run the exact same scrum play, from a very similar field position, and achieve the same result. Neilson passed once again to Nicholas who offloaded to speedster Emma Jada in contact.

Jada cruised past defenders along the sideline before eventually being brought down just inches from the goal line. Team captain Deleka Menin would eventually pick the ball and plow her way into the endzone for Canada’s 3rd try of the contest.

Flyhalf Alex Tessier would score Canada’s fourth try in the 36th minute following a powerful rolling attack. Canadian no.8 Tiffany Picketts would smash through American defenders just moments later, resulting in a second try for Tessier and 31-0 lead for Canada going into half-time.

Despite a strong effort in the second half the Americans could not make the comeback though would get on the scoreboard with two penalty kicks. Canada would add 2 more tries to make the final score 43-6.

Canadian player Breanne Nicholas won the “Player Of The Series.”

Canada Coach Sandro Fiorino:

"We had a slow start, a lot of our girls were nervous because it was their first time playing for Canada. The second half was much better as the team refocused on the game plan and performed on a higher standard."