Canada make wholesale changes for opening Rugby World Cup clash

Canada head coach Kevin Rouet has named an experienced lineup for his side’s opening 2025 Rugby World Cup clash with Fiji in York this Saturday.

Coming into the World Cup on the back of an impressive PAC4 Series and an unbeaten two match series in South Africa, Rouet’s side are among the favourites for the title.

Making 14 changes to the line-up that beat the Springboks in Gqeberha in a match that will be remember for the impressive debut of Carissa Norsten and the return of No. 8 Sophie de Goede.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Key among the changes is the positional switch of De Goede into the second row alongside Courtney O’Donnell, while Gabrielle Senft starts at No. 8 after coming off the bench in Gqeberha. Flanker Fabiola Forteza and backrow teammate Caroline Crossley both earn starts, adding fresh energy to the pack.

Up front, Brittany Kassil, Gillian Boag and Olivia DeMerchant form a familiar front row with over 140 caps between them.

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The backline also sees a reshuffle. Scrum-half Justine Pelletier and fly-half Taylor Perry link up at halfback, while Alexandra Tessier, with 60 caps to her name, partners Florence Symonds in midfield. On the wings, Fancy Bermudez and Alysha Corrigan bring pace and finishing power, with Julia Schell set to start at fullback once again.

“The team has put in a lot of work to get to this point,” said Rouet. “We have been building really since the last World Cup, so we are very excited to get going here in England. Fiji will be a fun team to play against. They are unpredictable so they will test us on the pitch but it’s on us to showcase our style of play and display when we are one of the best teams in the world.”

Among the finishers, Canada boasts a powerful bench led by veteran lock Tyson Beukeboom, who brings 77 caps of experience, and tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin, the most-capped player in the squad with 63 appearances. Impact backs Olivia Apps and Shoshanah Seumanutafa offer versatility to close out the contest.

Canada Line-Up vs Fiji
1. Brittany Kassil (47 caps)
2. Gillian Boag (32 caps)
3. Olivia DeMerchant (61 caps)
4. Sophie de Goede (35 caps)
5. Courtney O’Donnell (47 caps)
6. Caroline Crossley (7 caps)
7. Fabiola Forteza (35 caps)
8. Gabrielle Senft (32 caps)
9. Justine Pelletier (37 caps)
10. Taylor Perry (16 caps)
11. Fancy Bermudez (18 caps)
12. Alexandra Tessier (60 caps)
13, Florence Symonds (12 caps)
14, Alysha Corrigan (21 caps)
15, Julia Schell (26 caps)
Replacements
16. Emily Tuttosi (35 caps)
17. McKinley Hunt (32 caps)
18. DaLeaka Menin (63 caps)
19. Tyson Beukeboom (77 caps)
20. Karen Paquin (45 caps)
21. Rachel Smith (3 caps)
22. Olivia Apps (19 caps)
23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (19 caps)\