Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

Seguing to next year's Women's RWC, our Canadian women put on a great show in the Final of WXV 1 last weekend.  England (World #1), were the eventual winners 21 - 12, scoring on the last play of the game for a seemingly useful differential between the teams. Action on the field was not quite the equal of this score, with Canada pushing the undefeated twenty match, England team to its very brink.  Unfortunately, this pundit could not be peresent in the flesh however, a tip of the cap to the sparse few who were in BC Place, making their presence felt in a voluminous, supportive fashion. Canada's play certainly solidified their #2 World ranking. Although England had a favorable advantage with possession, Canada's disruptive and brave tackling, along with a rather inventive approach to their tactics on attack, kept fans on the edge of their seats with the possibility of victory present throughout.

Canada's set scrum against a mammoth and forceful opposition was truly creditable and debatably, may have been superior.  The lienout was a source of concern in this one.  Normally, an area of strength, England competed fiercely and often caused turnovers and disruption at critical stages. There were errors from both competitors but Canada's were perhaps the more critical.  I like all members of the Canadian team but I was particularly thrilled for ladies who had played with CW for some seasons before "turning professional", Gabby Senft at #8 and Julia Schell, who had her best ever outing with the National team, at #15. One could go on at length with praise for every individual.  Minus the regular captain, Sophie deGoede, players certainly "stepped up".  This group has manifested results from sound coaching and the individual growth and improvement of the players has been noticeable - congratulations to all. In particular, I enjoyed their tactic to move the ball wide to test England.  This was an excting and generally successful ploy that England may not have seen too often, nor for as long stages, in the past, and it really 'asked questions'.

With the same enterprise, minor errors under pressure reduced, and lineout work restored to its former strength with the return of deGoede, I like their 'underdog' chances in next year's RWC.  Go, you good things.  Thanks for a great game.

CWRFC visits the Piggydome this coming Saturday when our Div.2 Women play the hosts; Div.1 Men play Cowichan (1:00p.m.); and Premier Men put their undefeated record on the line against the Pacific Pride at 2:45, also at the Herd Road "Piggy Park". Cowichan are always great opposition on the pitch and great post-game hosts, so why not organise your supporter's road trip to support the club.