The Canadian Women’s Sevens Rugby Team were defeated by New Zealand in the Cup Finals of the Atlanta Sevens on Sunday evening. Despite the loss, Canada picked up valuable series points on the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series.
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise successful tournament for the Canadians and now have advanced to four straight Women’s Sevens World Series Cup Semifinals, and sits third in the current series standings with 32 points.
Through two events last season, they only had 18.
The team will now turn their attention to Brazil, as the Sao Paulo Sevens kicks off next weekend.
CANADA 26-12 USA
(Starting seven: Bianca Farella, Jen Kish, Ghislaine Landry, Mandy Marchak, Kayla Moleschi, Karen Paquin & Ashley Steacy)
After defeating the United States 31-0 on Day One, Canada had a much harder time in the Cup Quarterfinals with their North American rivals.
Trailing 12-7 late in the opening half, Canada got a much needed boost of confidence as Ghislaine Landry touched down after the hooter had sounded, giving Canada a 14-12 lead heading into the break.
Canada carried the momentum into the second half, holding the Americans to zero points. Bianca Farella’s three tries provided more than enough scoring for Canada, who have yet to lose to the USA in a WSWS match.
CANADA
17-7 AUSTRALIA
(Starting seven: Bianca Farella, Jen Kish, Ghislaine Landry, Mandy Marchak, Kayla Moleschi, Karen Paquin & Ashley Steacy)
For the second straight day Canada defeated series leaders Australia, advancing to their first WSWS Cup Final of the season. After
trailing 7-5 at half, head coach John Tait made some adjustments in personnel.
Substitute Kelly Russell played a major role in the final seven minutes, as she was the catalyst in both of Canada’s second half tries.
After Russell touched down for her first try of the tournament, Ashley Steacy got her third following a great individual effort from Russell off the restart.
What head coach John Tait said:
“Great performances so far today in two really physical matches. We kept our composure as the match went on and though we fell behind, the girls really just focused on maintaining pressure and not letting the Aussies get out of their own half with any penalties or line breaks.”
“To beat New Zealand we need to make first up tackles and not let them get to their wide pattern. That wears you down unless you come up and force them out of it.
We’ve had some close games but have always given up a soft try through uncharacteristic turnovers. I know if the girls can keep to our structure and keep the composure they have had so far, we will get the win but we will need that from everyone for the full 20.”
CANADA 0-36 NEW ZEALAND
(Starting seven: Bianca Farella, Jen Kish, Ghislaine Landry, Mandy Marchak, Kayla Moleschi, Karen Paquin & Ashley Steacy)
The World Cup champions showed their class in a convincing 36-0 win over Canada in the Cup Final.
The Black Ferns displayed a great deal of skill on the attack and any opportunity Canada had on the counter was often negated by self inflicted errors.
Trailing by only 10 points at the break, Canada was unable to generate any points in the second half, while New Zealand scored four more tries to seal the victory.
Day 1 – February 15, 2014
Canada
31-0 USA
Canada
47-0 China
Canada
12-7 Australia
Day
2 – February 16, 2014
Canada
26-12 USA (Cup Quarterfinal)
Canada 17-7 Australia (Cup Semifinal)
Canada 0-36 New Zealand (Cup Final)
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Roster for Atlanta Sevens – Name, (Club) Hometown
Arielle Dubissette–Borrice, (Toronto Scottish RFC) Toronto, ON
Bianca Farella, (Town of Mount Royal RFC) Montreal, QC
Paige Farries (Druid RFC) Red Deer, AB
Magali Harvey, (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QC
Jennifer Kish, (Edmonton Rockers RFC) Edmonton, AB (Captain)
Ghislaine Landry, (Toronto Scottish RFC) Toronto, ON
Mandy Marchak, (Capilano RFC) Winnipeg, MB
Kayla Moleschi, (Williams Lake Rustlers) Williams Lake, BC
Karen Paquin, (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QC
Kelly Russell, (Toronto Nomads) Bolton, ON
Ashley Steacy, (Lethbridge Rugby Club) Lethbridge, AB
Brittany Waters, (Meraloma Athletic Club) Vancouver, BC
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Staff
Head Coach: John Tait
Assistant Coach: Sandro Fiorino
Performance Analyst: Ben Herring
Athletic Therapist: Sandeep Nandhra
Strength and Conditioning: Tyler Goodale
Manager: Meaghan Howa
Thanks to Rugby Canada for the press release.
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