Canada make two changes as they target another Red Roses victory

After ending England’s 41-match unbeaten run a week ago, Canada have made two changes for Friday’s decisive encounter with the Red Roses in Ottawa.

Head coach Kévin Rouet has restored Taylor Perry at fly-half, reuniting her with Olivia Apps at half-back, while Shoshanah Seumanutafa moves into inside centre after scoring the match-winning try in Toronto.

Perry started at inside centre in last Friday’s 24-21 victory at BMO Field, with vice-captain Alexandra Tessier taking on the playmaking duties. This week, Tessier is named among the replacements.

Seumanutafa, who crossed for the decisive try against England, partners Florence Symonds in midfield. Asia Hogan-Rochester, Alysha Corrigan and Savannah Bauder continue in the back three as Canada look to secure another victory over the reigning world champions.

The second change sees Gabrielle Senft promoted to the starting line-up after an impressive performance off the bench last week. The 29-year-old comes into the back row ahead of Rachel Smith, who drops out of the matchday 23 altogether. Senft’s inclusion creates a place on the bench for Caroline Crossley.

Rouet has largely kept faith with the side that delivered Canada’s landmark victory. Mikiela Nelson, Kiki Idowi and DaLeaka Menin continue in the front-row, while Sophie de Goede and Laetitia Royer retain their places in the second row. Julia Omokhuale and Lizzie Gibson remain in the back-row.

Kevin Rouet, Canada head coach, said: “It felt amazing to get the win last week but that game still left us with a lot to work on and improve if we want to get another win on Friday in Ottawa.

“It’s the final week of tour for us and we want to finish strong so practice this week has been all about adjusting and correcting parts of our game while making sure players can rest and recover to be ready for another big match.

“The players really like playing in Ottawa. We have had some great crowds each time we’ve played here over the last couple of years. Really looking forward to another game in Canada with our fans supporting us and giving us that extra push at key points in the game. It makes such a big difference.”

Canada v England matchday squad | WXV Global Series 2026

15. Savannah Bauder (North Vancouver, BC) – UBC Thunderbirds / Capilano RFC (3 caps)
14. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – Saracens / CRFC (27 caps)
13. Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – Loughborough Lightning / UBC Thunderbirds (22 caps)
12. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau (29 caps)
11. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC (15 caps)
10. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders (30 caps)
9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Saracens / Lindsay RFC (29 caps)
1. Mikiela Nelson (Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC (15 caps)
2. Kiki Idowu (Toronto, ON) – Loughborough Lightning / UBC Thunderbirds / Toronto Scottish (7 caps)
3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Exeter Chiefs / Calgary Hornets (76 caps)
4. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Saracens / Castaway Wanderers (47 caps)
5. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia University (29 caps)
6. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Stade Bordelais / Castaway Wanderers (47 caps)
7. Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Saracens / Calgary Irish Rugby Club (13 caps)
8. Lizzie Gibson (Caledon, ON) – Queen’s University / Oakville Crusaders (6 caps)

Replacements
16. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets (46 caps)
17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Ontario West / Guelph Goats (58 caps)
18. Brooke Rempel (Ariss, ON) – Loughborough Lightning / Ontario West / Brantford Harlequins (5 caps)
19. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Stade Bordelais / Club de rugby de Québec (46 caps)
20. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Loughborough Lightning / Ottawa Irish (25 caps)
21. Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers (13 caps)
22. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Stade Bordelais / Club de rugby de Québec (50 caps)
23. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Exeter Chiefs / Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (72 caps)