Pool B: Canada 40-19 Scotland
Scots set to face England in the quarter-finals
Avoiding England was the objective on a beautifully bright and breezy day in Devon. But if they keep performing like this, avoiding Canada will become an equally pressing concern for the assorted tournament favourites. Kévin Rouet’s side top Pool B after an assured display in attack and defence, and will face Australia in the quarter-finals, presuming things go to form in Brighton later. Emily Tuttosi, the Canada hooker, scored two of their six tries in this 40-19 victory, earning the player of the match award.
Bryan Easson’s Scotland, also through to the last eight after wins against Wales and Fiji, battled until the end but were overpowered by supremely well-drilled and cohesive opponents. The Scots have lost seven out of eight matches against Canada, the solitary success coming at the 1994 Rugby World Cup. You have to go back to 1998 for the last time they defeated England, who they are now poised to play in the last eight. History is against them but they lack neither ability nor fighting spirit.
With both sides qualified there was opportunity to properly enjoy a few significant landmarks. Tyson Beukeboom of Canada strode into the Sandy Park sunshine first, an 81st cap making her the country’s record appearance-maker, male or female. The Canadian replacements Brittany Kassil and Courtney Holtkamp followed together on the occasion of their 50th caps.
