Canada name squad for Pacific Four Series finale after New Zealand 'wake-up call'

Canada head coach Kévin Rouet described his team’s loss to New Zealand as a “wake-up call” upon announcing his squad for their Pacific Four Series finale against the USA Women’s Eagles.

Coming into the clash, which is being hosted this Friday night at SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago, Canada are aiming to win their 12th game in a row against their continental rivals.

Last time out the Women’s Rugby World Cup finalists lost 36-14 to New Zealand’s Black Ferns. It was just the second loss Canada have had since the end of 2024.

Kévin Rouet, Canada head coach, said: “Last week was a wake-up call for us. So far, we’ve had a very short preparation time leading into our first two games but now we have had a full week to focus on getting back to the way we play the game and what has made us successful.

“The players don’t need much motivation for this game, it’s always fun to play against the USA but we have to follow our game plan and play to our identity. We have to be physical, execute on the small details of our game and control the tempo.”

Injury to Fabiola Forteza means that Pamphinette is parachuted into the starting back-row with Gabrielle Senft and Sophie de Goede. Julia Omokhuale, who played in the back-row last weekend, moves to lock where she will partner Laetitia Royer.

Pacific Four Series

P

W

L

D

PF

PA

PD

BP T

BP-7

BP

Total

1

New Zealand Women

2

2

0

0

10

2

Canada Women

2

1

1

0

5

3

USA Women

2

1

1

0

5

4

Australia Women

2

0

2

0

0

Scrum-half Mahalia Robinson is set to get her first taste of action this year as a replacement. Brooke Rempel and Sierra Gillis, who made their debuts against Australia in Round 1, will earn their second Test caps as finishers in Chicago

Canada match day squad v USA

1. Brittany Kassil
2. Emily Tuttosi
3. DaLeaka Menin
4. Julia Omokhuale
5. Laetitia Royer
6. Pamphinette Buisa
7. Gabrielle Senft
8. Sophie de Goede
9. Justine Pelletier
10. Taylor Perry
11. Aurora Bowie
12. Alexandra Tessier
13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa
14. Asia Hogan-Rochester
15. Claire Gallagher

Finishers

16. Kiki Idowu
17. Sierra Gillis
18. Brooke Rempel
19. Ashlynn Smith
20. Rachel Smith
21. Lizzie Gibson
22. Mahalia Robinson
23. Chloe Daniels