Canada V USA the highlight of seeding clashes

By John Birch

Match of the Day: Canada v USA

There cannot be any teams that know each other better than Canada and the USA. This will be the 28th meeting between these two teams making it the biggest rivalry in womens international rugby and the fifth time they have met this year. As a result we have a fair bit of form to look at for this game, and most of that points to a Canadian win. Only one of their meetings this year has gone to the USA, and that by a single point. The USA have looked good over the past fortnight, but Canada have looked outstanding apart from that one nightmare against France.

When faced with the pressure of having to perform against France, Canada fell apart. Similarly, when under pressure to perform at home in last summers Nations Cup Canada also put in under-par performances. On Sunday Canada will be the favourites and they have to win to recover anything from the tournament and that may be the USAs best chance.

But it will still be a tough ask for the Americans. Canada have both the tournaments leading try scorer (Heather Moyse, with six) and second best kicker (Anna Schnell, converting 67% of Canadas tries behind only Australias Nicole Beck). In addition centre Mandy Marchak has four tries, showing what a potent weapon Canadas back line can be. It all points to a Canadian win, all be it a narrow one.

Canada have done their own video previewHERE.

And the rest....

Sweden V Kazakhstan.....The battle to avoid last place might be tough on the eye. Kazakhstan have had a lot of discipline problems with seven yellow cards and a red in all, and they must keep all their players on the park to avoid the bottom spot. Sweden are a lively side but may not have the bulk up front to see this out and claim their first win at the competition.

Ireland V Scotland... A win would increase Ireland's rankings from the last WC by one place - and a loss would be a real disappointment for a side with hopes of a semi-final spot just a week ago. Both of these teams had poor outings last time out being flattened by both the USA and Canada so this will be a battle of pride for the two 6 Nations teams.

Wales V South Africa...Wales should have won the game between these two sides at the pool stages dominating possession but failing to make it count .They know South Africa run the ball from everywhere and they are without Non Evans who is injured. Wales are better on paper but when did that ever mean anything.

France V Australia... The third place finale matches are the games no side ever wants to play in but with rankings on the table there is something to play for here. France were totally deflated against New Zealand and need to pick themselves up to have a shot here. Third placed finishes are not to be sneezed at so this might be a good game of rugby.