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'We came here wanting to win the Rugby World Cup and the first step is to get wins and bonus points'

By Matt Merritt
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 16: Paige Farries of Canada scores a try during the Pool B Rugby World Cup 2021 match between Italy and Canada at Waitakere Stadium on October 16, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

A 22-12 victory over Italy sees Canada sitting atop their group and second in the seedings, with the prospect of a game against their old rivals USA looming.

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Sophie de Goede, the Canadian captain, was unequivocal on the team’s goals post-game. “We came here wanting to win the Rugby World Cup and the first step is to get wins and bonus points and we managed to do that in our first two games in this pool. Again, it’s very tough opposition like, we saw Japan yesterday against the USA, they are a very tough side, they were very tough in our game as well, and then coming out today against Italy. Gosh, that was the most exhaustive game we’ve played. So, all credit to them and I’m just really happy that we were able to come away with the win today.”

“It’s a Rugby World Cup game, so there’s just that much more meaning behind it.” De Goede explained as she looked forward to next weekend. “Canada v USA is a very meaningful important game for us already. So, there’ll be a lot of emotions behind the game and we can regulate that the best and stay compose under the pressure.”

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Italy vs Canada | Match Highlights | Rugby World Cup 2021

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Italy vs Canada | Match Highlights | Rugby World Cup 2021

“Like we knew going into this pool that each game would be difficult and then we needed a win and a bonus point ideally from every game and so we’re two from two now and we’ll just look to go get that third next weekend.”

“The cool thing about this trophy is the sound from the game embedded in it.” De Goede shared, after being awarded one of the tournament’s unique POTM trophies. ”That will always remind me of the support of my friends and the fans. It’s a very big honour. The fans are a part of the trophy.”

Canada’s head coach Kevin Rouet was complimentary of his team as they battled against tricky conditions to get the job done. “It was a windy day today. I think we managed the first half with the wind with us and we came back after halftime knowing that the wind would be against us. So, keep the possession, do simple stuff and for the first 20 minutes of the second half I was very pleased with what I’ve seen. So, I’m very happy for the girls.”

“We know our set pieces are good, so when you have a good stuff you need to use it. We need to use more our scrum.” Rouet explained, focusing on the set piece dominance his team displayed early on and how they segued to a more running style as the game wore on. “In the second half we had to open the game, use more foot game and moving ball. So, I was enjoying watching that in the first 20 minutes of the second half.”

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With a game against the US next week and the possibility of replaying it a week later in the quarter-finals, as the Eagles are currently 7th in the seedings, it’s important for Canada to keep clear heads and Rouet knows his charges are in for a battle! “Against USA it can be quite emotional sometimes. We know them, they know us. I know that after the tough game against Japan and the loss against Italy they want to make some things on this game. It will be a huge fight against them. We are ready, but we know them, so it’s good.”

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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