ANALYSIS – There were four different Rugby Canada try scorers in a 26-14 win over USA Rugby. Also, despite getting two tries called off, it was a Rugby Canada character win, as they never wavered and kept pressuring USA Rugby’s defence.
A Rugby Canada Character Win at CPKC Stadium
Rugby Canada’s Offence Applied a Lot of Pressure
Rugby Canada’s offence was a big reason why the team won the game. While they had two tries called off, Canada still was able to control the tempo of the game. Their speed, agility, and passing all played a big role in their offensive pressure. Some examples of this include:
- Justine Pelletier scored early for Canada with a fantastic individual try.
- Gabriel Senft’s speed played a big role in Laeticia Royer scoring a try.
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There were also other chances for Canada. There was one moment in the second half when Alex Tessier passed the ball, but it was fumbled. That is why, despite USA Rugby being more clinical, the game was tied before adversity hit both teams.
Rugby Canada Did a Better Job of Being a Player Down
When Courtney O’Donnell of Rugby Canada got a yellow card in the 52nd minute of play, the U.S. had a big opportunity to tie and/or even lead in the game. However, instead, it looked like Canada had the better scoring chances, even with being a player down. They were even deep into the USA’s side of the field in the 59th minute of play.
The U.S. scored a try four minutes after O’Donnell came back on the field. The U.S. were then tied with Canada, but that was as far as they got.
USA Rugby player Charli Jacoby got a yellow card in the 69th minute of the game. During that time period, Canada would seal the game, scoring two tries and converting on one of those kicks.
The two tries were:
- O’Donnell scored a try in the 71st minute of the game thanks to a fantastic Canadian scrum.
- Julia Schell made a fantastic run before passing the ball to Sarah-Maude Lachance for the try.
The offence seemed to come to life when there was a player up. They were able to find pockets of space and earn the win on the road against their North American rivals.
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This game was also about Canada’s character, despite having two tries called off, especially the one try that was called off around the 24th minute, which must have been deflating. This is what Rugby Canada’s captain, Tessier, said about the game (Rugby Canada Press Release):
“As I said, it’s the start of our preparation for the World Cup,” added Tessier. “There was definitely some pressure going into tonight. We knew there would be a lot of people in the stands. These are the times we want to learn how to stay calm, cool and collected because when we start the World Cup, those will be high-pressure games.”
In this game, Canada had to stay calm and stay the course. The team did keep pushing and, in this game, it paid off.
Some Big Conversions Were Made by Julia Schell
28-year-old Schell was Canada’s kicker for the game against the U.S. She delivered in three of her four kicks and played a big role in Lachance’s try. This included her third conversion, which was a kick converted from a tough angle.
The Trailfinders Women player stepped up when Canada really needed her. This is especially true for that third conversion, as it was a turning point in the game, and one kick that made it difficult for the U.S. to come back into the game.
Other Factors: Four Different Try Scorers for Rugby Canada
The roster with Rugby Canada is deep. Also, at least with this game, it was a team effort, as their passing, set pieces, and runs were all special to watch. Every player played their role as Canada’s defence stepped up when it needed to. This included Tessier, who made a fantastic block of a USA Rugby player’s kick in the 33rd minute of play.
This is what USA Rugby captain and try scorer, Kate Zachary, said about the try on TSN in Canada after the game:
“What I was really proud of was the shift the girls put on for 80 minutes.”
What Zachary said was correct. The U.S. did play well defensively, as they showed character. At one point in the game, the U.S. looked like they were going to get a result against Canada with Alev Kelter’s try tying the game.
The Canadians have now beaten the Americans for the tenth straight time. The last time the Americans won against the Canadians was on July 10, 2019, when the U.S. won against Canada in San Diego, California, at the United States Olympic Training Center.
It was also a special moment for Rachel Smith, who made her debut for the national team against the U.S.
Other Storylines and Games Coming Up For Both Teams
It was a special moment for Hope Rogers, who is now the most capped USA Rugby player in national team history. In addition, Ilona Maher played her first national team game in four years for the U.S.
The crowd also seemed to play a role at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, as they cheered their team and motivated the U.S. to get a result throughout the game.
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Both teams still have two more games in the Pacific Four Series competition. The Rugby Canada Women’s National Team faces New Zealand at 11:35PM ET on May 16. They will then face New Zealand on May 23 at 2:55AM ET. The game against New Zealand will be at the Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, while the Australia game will be at the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
This is while the USA Rugby Women’s National Team will face Australia on May 17 at 2:55AM ET and then will face Australia on May 23 at 2:55PM ET. The Australia game will take place at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, while the New Zealand game will take place at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany, New Zealand.
Photo Credit: Rugby Canada Facebook Page on May 3, 2025.