'We came here wanting to win the Rugby World Cup and the first step is to get wins and bonus points'
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.
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."
“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.”
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.”
Latest Comments
Were you shocked by Sexton trying to rip Barrett's head off when he scored that final try in that return game?
Sexton once again the beneficiary of incredible double standards. Some of the rules simply didn't apply to him. The referee even watched that replay about 5 times in slow motion to see if he grounded the ball. If an NZ player had made that tackle it would have been a yellow card.
Ireland led by Sexton were the biggest bunch of whingers to ever play the game. NZ's dislike of Ireland was not caused by losing to them, it was caused by the Irish players, commentators and media being such giant crybabies.
I genuinely think Ireland are the best team in the world, and I think they will beat the ABs on Friday, but they are by some distance the team I like the least, and I know many people, not just from NZ, who feel the same.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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