DaLeaka Menin: 'I often ask myself; what looks positive?'

Last Friday night Canada lost to the Black Ferns for the first time since 2023. In the time since then the North Americans have won twice, including a Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, and drew at last year’s Pacific Four Series 27-all.

Despite leading 14-5 at halftime after they had scored a penalty try from a lineout drive, Canada surrendered the lead at the hour mark. They imploded in the final quarter, throwing two interceptions while chasing the game and lost 36-14. It was Canada’s second defeat in their past 13 Tests.

Tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin was disappointed with the result but, with 71 Tests of experience and a background in care work with the disabled and disadvantaged, was able to put things quickly in perspective.

“It’s a classic Black Ferns team, strong up front and fast out wide,” Menin told RugbyPass. “Their set piece was very solid, and they brought a lot of aggression at the scrum. Winning collisions is very important.

“It enables you to dominate the breakdowns, use fast hands, and play wide. New Zealand have always played expansively and caught us out a couple of times. We play a much faster game now and have grown the skill set to do so.

“There are some new faces in our team. They bring new energy. After 70 Tests, it’s still exciting, but you’re in a more mellow state.”

Before women’s rugby turned professional Menin had to endure 12-hour shifts, several of them overnight, in her care work.

“You meet some crazy and quirky personalities; amazing individuals who are sometimes challenging,” she laughed.

“My parents did care work too. I’ve learned through them and my own experiences the importance of charity, patience, respect, and emotional regulation. I often ask myself; what looks positive?”

Points Flow Chart

New Zealand Women win +22

Time in lead

39

Mins in lead

23

48%

% Of Game In Lead

28%

68%

Possession Last 10 min

32%

0

Points Last 10 min

12

In 2015 Menin made her Canada debut in a 40-22 loss to the Black Ferns in Calgary. Canada’s first match after Women’s Rugby World Cup final disappointment in Paris 10 months earlier. That season, Canada lost all three of the matches they played. They have played 76 internationals since and won 50.

Canada’s seven wins in 2017 were a record in a calendar year until they won nine internationals in 2022. At the 2021 Rugby World Cup [which was hosted a year later due to the global pandemic], they pushed England to the brink in a classic semi-final at Eden Park and showcased their simmering improvement.

Menin earned her 50th cap in Wellington – where she’d visited several years earlier on a high school tour – in 2023 in a 42-22 win against Wales in WXV 1.  Then captain Sophie de Goede scored 17 points and was named Player of the Match.

Emily Tuttosi, Canada hooker, said afterwards: “DaLeaka has been pivotal to Canadian rugby, especially athletes from the Prairies, from the small towns…The Canadian scrum is a staple of our rugby, and she’s been a part of it. I’ve been proud watching her from game one, and to be here and step on the field with her for her first scrum in her 50th means a lot.”

Canada’s first victory over the Black Ferns, after 17 previous defeats, in Christchurch two years ago was seismic. Canada made an astonishing 248 tackles, with 14 players registering over 10.

De Goede topped the count with 27, Pamphinette Buisa contributed 22, Tuttosi made 20 and Menin an impressive 15. At one stage, the Black Ferns thwarted a 36-phase attack. That is how much resolve Canada showed that day.

“That win is definitely one of the highlights of my career,” Menin said. “I remember a state of calm that existed despite the fact that New Zealand had all the ball. It didn’t feel chaotic; everyone knew their role and was locked in. We handled the pressure better. That was a big mental shift.

“The 27-27 draw against New Zealand in 2025 was disappointing because we felt we played the stronger game. Still, compared to the past, it was a fantastic result that gave us belief for the World Cup semi-final in Bristol, where we had built the consistency and confidence to put on a real showcase.

“We’re working towards reaching that level and more in this new cycle. The speed, skill, and mentality of the women coming through now, compared to when I started in 2015, have improved out of sight”

Menin rates 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Hannah Botterman, who has won 61 of her 62 Tests, as her toughest opponent.

The weather at the Pacific Four Series in 2026 has been diabolical. Scheduled kick-off times for both Canada matches have been delayed by storms. The Black Ferns match in Kansas City started more than three hours late. Canada finished their 24-0 opening-round win over Australia in Sacramento after midnight.

Menin was imperious in a 73-minute shift against the Aussies as she won multiple scrum penalties. She also topped Canada’s carry count with 18, made 10 tackles, two turnovers and helped the lineout win 19 of their 20 throws.

“Our staff have been amazing, keeping us in the loop with regards to the weather,” Menin said. “We try to keep things as routine as possible and make the most of the little windows in which we can actually do something.

“I loved the Australia game. We managed to get on top of them physically in the second half. The puddles on the field allowed me to skid a little further on my carries. Many of the collisions were harder than normal because we were all so much closer together.”

Canada concludes its Pacific Four Series campaign against the USA Women’s Eagles. Canada holds a 29-19 all-time advantage over their cross-border rivals and have won 10 of their past 11 encounters agains the Eagles.