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NZ Herald
26 minutes ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
How Black Ferns comebacks and versatility shaped the World Cup squad
Another to overcome injury is Kaipo Olsen-Baker. The fierce loosie was set to be a breakout star at the 2022 tournament, having debuted in that year's Pacific Four Series. However, tragedy struck when she broke her leg just two months out from the World Cup kick-off. Olsen-Baker has fought her way back into form, battling with stalwart Liana Mikaele-Tu'u for the starting 8 jersey. It'll be her pleasure and ours when she makes her World Cup debut. Redemption is also the name of the game for veteran Kelly Brazier. Selection into this squad must have felt a long way off after a disappointing omission from the Black Ferns Sevens Olympic team. However, Brazier was determined to hang up her boots on her own terms. The workhorse got back on the field where she started, playing her way up from the Farah Palmer Cup. From there Brazier secured a spot in the Chiefs Manawa and showed just enough to ensure selectors didn't write her off this time. A defining feature of Allan Bunting's time with the Black Ferns is the willingness to reward form. He has named 23 debutantes in this cycle and a good chunk of those players have made it through. Players like Kate Henwood, Chryss Viliko, Layla Sae and Katelyn Vahaakolo have become regular features of the last two seasons, while Atlanta Lolohea and Maia Joseph have more recently made key positions their own. Four players have rocketed up the ranks this season. Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Laura Bayfield and Braxton Sorensen-McGee all burst into our living rooms this year. Bayfield is the true bolter, with a debut in the last possible test ahead of the tournament. This may feel like a lot of new blood but Smith himself debuted 12 players in the last World Cup year, ultimately selecting six of them. The team, then, is a mix of experience, of transferred sevens stars and of emerging talent. Selection has walked the tightrope between specialist and versatility. Around 40% of this squad have a second position they can play in to a high standard. We are offered a lot of flexibility at lock and back row. We have first fives who can cover second five and fullback where needed. Half of those outside backs named can cover first five, centre, wing or fullback. A lack of versatility likely counted against certain players when it came to making the final call. We only had room for two specialist wingers, and Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Katelyn Vaahakolo had been the preferred starters since 2022. When Portia Woodman-Wickliffe came out of retirement, this heavily narrowed Ruby Tui's chances. She still gave her all but this time, came up short. That's the painful part of selections, but there's no doubt Tui will be cheering this team on. So we should follow her lead, just as we did after the World Cup's final whistle and tūtira mai ngā iwi, tātou tātou e! Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad Props: Chryss Viliko, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu. Hookers: Georgia Ponsonby, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green. Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield. Loose forwards: Kennedy Tukuafu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Jorja Miller, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Layla Sae. Halfbacks: Risileaana Pouri-Lane, Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia. First-fives: Ruahei Demant, Kelly Brazier. Midfield: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano. Outside backs: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Renee Holmes. Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray. Alice Soper is a sports columnist for the Herald on Sunday. A former provincial rugby player and current club coach, she has a particular interest in telling stories of the emerging world of women's sports.
Hamilton Spectator
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada women win again but face tougher task in downing Springboks in rugby test
GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA - After thumping South Africa 50-20 last week in Pretoria, a revamped Canadian lineup had a tougher time getting the job done before pulling away for a 33-5 win over the 12th-ranked Springboks in a women's rugby international Saturday. South Africa trailed 14-5 before the second-ranked Canadians, frustrated by handling errors and penalties, padded the scoreline with tries by Carissa Norsten (in the 55th minute), stand-in captain Tyson Beukeboom (74th, with South Africa down a player) and Krissy Scurfield (78th). The win improved Canada's record against South Africa to 6-0-0. The Canadians had scored 50 points or more in every meeting except the inaugural encounter in 2009, which they won 35-17. Canada captain Sophie de Goede, returning to action after a 13-month injury absence, came off the bench with 20 minutes remaining. The 26-year-old from Victoria last played in May 2024, in Canada's 22-19 win over World Cup champion New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series finale. De Goede tore her anterior cruciate ligament on June 21, 2024, in a non-contact scrimmage against the U.S. on the last day of a Canada sevens camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Norsten, the 2024 HSBC SVNS Rookie of the Year, was named player of the match in her 15s debut starting on the wing. Brittany Kassil and Gillian Boag also scored tries for Canada, which led 14-0 after a scrappy first half played in the early-afternoon sunshine at Nelson Mandela Stadium. Julia Schell and Maddy Grant each kicked two conversions. Ayanda Malinga scored the lone South African try. For the second week in a row, the women took the field ahead of the men's match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy. The South African men won 42-24 in Pretoria. The Canada victory may have come at a cost. Prop Rori Wood was taken off the field on a cart in the 30th minute after suffering an apparent leg injury. That meant a first cap for Taylor McKnight off the bench. Lock Laetitia Royer, one of three Canadians named to World Rugby's Women's 15s Dream Team in 2024, had to come off in the 32nd minute, favouring her shoulder. Canada moved the ball quickly at the breakdown from the get-go, often creating overlaps in the backline as a result. But a string of penalties slowed the game as the half progressed and Canada lost two players to the sin-bin before the break. Kassil opened the scoring for Canada in the fifth minute, crashing over from close-range for her first international try in her 46th appearance. A spate of Canadian penalties drew a warning just 16 minutes in from Zimbabwean referee Precious Pazani. And flanker Pam Buisa was sin-binned two minutes later for head contact in tackling Babalwa Latsha. Prop Olivia DeMarchant followed her in the 24th minute as Canada, backed up to its try-line after several infractions, was dinged for its seventh penalty of the half. With Canada still a player down, Boag dove over in the 32nd minute on a quick-tap penalty for a converted try and 14-0 lead. The two teams combined for 14 penalties, with eight against Canada, in the first 40 minutes. Helped by several penalties, South Africa scored in the 45th minute with Malinga touching down in the corner to cut the lead to 14-5. Springboks winger Jakkie Cilliers was sin-binned in the 74rd minute for a deliberate knockdown of a pass. Only Boag, Royer, Schell and No. 8 Gabrielle Senft retained their place in the Canadian starting 15, as coach Kevin Rouet looked to give everyone in the tour roster a run out. South Africa made two personnel and two positional changes to last week's team. With stand-in skipper Alex Tessier not part of the matchday squad, Beukeboom led Canada out for her record 76th cap. Canada improved to 14-5-1 since finishing fourth at the last World Cup. Four of the losses were to top-ranked England, with the other to No. 3 New Zealand. Canada and New Zealand played to a 27-27 tie in May in Pacific Four Series play. The Canadian women have just two games left before the World Cup kicks off Aug. 22 in England. Canada plays the ninth-ranked U.S., on Aug. 1 in Ottawa before facing No. 5 Ireland on Aug. 9 in Dublin. The Canadians open World Cup play against No. 15 Fiji on Aug. 23 in York, then face No. 10 Wales on Aug. 30 in Manchester and No. 7 Scotland on Sept. 6 in Exeter. South Africa, which will play out of Group D with No. 4 France, No. 8 Italy and No. 28 Brazil, hosts No. 3 New Zealand on July 26 July and Aug. 2 in its final tune-ups. Earlier Saturday, New Zealand defeated No. 6 Australia 37-12 in Wellington. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada women win again but face tougher task in downing Springboks in rugby test
GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – After thumping South Africa 50-20 last week in Pretoria, a revamped Canadian lineup had a tougher time getting the job done before pulling away for a 33-5 win over the 12th-ranked Springboks in a women's rugby international Saturday. South Africa trailed 14-5 before the second-ranked Canadians, frustrated by handling errors and penalties, padded the scoreline with tries by Carissa Norsten (in the 55th minute), stand-in captain Tyson Beukeboom (74th, with South Africa down a player) and Krissy Scurfield (78th). The win improved Canada's record against South Africa to 6-0-0. The Canadians had scored 50 points or more in every meeting except the inaugural encounter in 2009, which they won 35-17. Canada captain Sophie de Goede, returning to action after a 13-month injury absence, came off the bench with 20 minutes remaining. The 26-year-old from Victoria last played in May 2024, in Canada's 22-19 win over World Cup champion New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series finale. De Goede tore her anterior cruciate ligament on June 21, 2024, in a non-contact scrimmage against the U.S. on the last day of a Canada sevens camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Norsten, the 2024 HSBC SVNS Rookie of the Year, was named player of the match in her 15s debut starting on the wing. Brittany Kassil and Gillian Boag also scored tries for Canada, which led 14-0 after a scrappy first half played in the early-afternoon sunshine at Nelson Mandela Stadium. Julia Schell and Maddy Grant each kicked two conversions. Ayanda Malinga scored the lone South African try. For the second week in a row, the women took the field ahead of the men's match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy. The South African men won 42-24 in Pretoria. The Canada victory may have come at a cost. Prop Rori Wood was taken off the field on a cart in the 30th minute after suffering an apparent leg injury. That meant a first cap for Taylor McKnight off the bench. Lock Laetitia Royer, one of three Canadians named to World Rugby's Women's 15s Dream Team in 2024, had to come off in the 32nd minute, favouring her shoulder. Canada moved the ball quickly at the breakdown from the get-go, often creating overlaps in the backline as a result. But a string of penalties slowed the game as the half progressed and Canada lost two players to the sin-bin before the break. Kassil opened the scoring for Canada in the fifth minute, crashing over from close-range for her first international try in her 46th appearance. A spate of Canadian penalties drew a warning just 16 minutes in from Zimbabwean referee Precious Pazani. And flanker Pam Buisa was sin-binned two minutes later for head contact in tackling Babalwa Latsha. Prop Olivia DeMarchant followed her in the 24th minute as Canada, backed up to its try-line after several infractions, was dinged for its seventh penalty of the half. With Canada still a player down, Boag dove over in the 32nd minute on a quick-tap penalty for a converted try and 14-0 lead. The two teams combined for 14 penalties, with eight against Canada, in the first 40 minutes. Helped by several penalties, South Africa scored in the 45th minute with Malinga touching down in the corner to cut the lead to 14-5. Springboks winger Jakkie Cilliers was sin-binned in the 74rd minute for a deliberate knockdown of a pass. Only Boag, Royer, Schell and No. 8 Gabrielle Senft retained their place in the Canadian starting 15, as coach Kevin Rouet looked to give everyone in the tour roster a run out. South Africa made two personnel and two positional changes to last week's team. With stand-in skipper Alex Tessier not part of the matchday squad, Beukeboom led Canada out for her record 76th cap. Canada improved to 14-5-1 since finishing fourth at the last World Cup. Four of the losses were to top-ranked England, with the other to No. 3 New Zealand. Canada and New Zealand played to a 27-27 tie in May in Pacific Four Series play. The Canadian women have just two games left before the World Cup kicks off Aug. 22 in England. Canada plays the ninth-ranked U.S., on Aug. 1 in Ottawa before facing No. 5 Ireland on Aug. 9 in Dublin. The Canadians open World Cup play against No. 15 Fiji on Aug. 23 in York, then face No. 10 Wales on Aug. 30 in Manchester and No. 7 Scotland on Sept. 6 in Exeter. South Africa, which will play out of Group D with No. 4 France, No. 8 Italy and No. 28 Brazil, hosts No. 3 New Zealand on July 26 July and Aug. 2 in its final tune-ups. Earlier Saturday, New Zealand defeated No. 6 Australia 37-12 in Wellington. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada captain Sophie de Goede starts on the bench in return from knee injury
Captain Sophie de Goede, returning to action after a 13-month injury absence, starts on the bench Saturday when Canada faces South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a women's rugby test match in Gqeberha, South Africa. The 26-year-old from Victoria last played May 19, 2024, in Canada's 22-19 win over World Cup champion New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series finale. De Goede tore her anterior cruciate ligament on June 21, 2024, in a non-contact scrimmage against the United States on the last day of a Canada sevens camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Second-ranked Canada defeated the 12th-ranked Springbok women 50-20 in a physical contest Saturday in Pretoria, improving its all-time record against South Africa to 5-0-0. Once again the women will take the field ahead of the men's match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy for the second-straight week. The South African men won 42-24 in Pretoria. Only hooker Gillian Boag, lock-turned-flanker Laetitia Royer No. 8 Gabrielle Senft and fullback Julia Schell retain their place in the Canadian starting 15. 'One of the main purposes of this tour was to make sure all 32 players got valuable playing experience and to give them the opportunity to showcase themselves on the field,' head coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement. 'It was a tough encounter in altitude last weekend, it's now time to keep growing and gaining experience with our next game. 'You'll see that there are a lot of changes to our team compared to last week but this tour was about building our depth and confidence ahead of the World Cup. I am excited to see how this group performances this week.' Rouet had said earlier that de Goede would see limited action off the bench, perhaps 20 minutes in her return to play. De Goede, one of three Canadians on World Rugby's 2024 Women's 15s Dream Team and a finalist for World Rugby's 2022 Women's 15s Player of the Year is in line to earn her 33rd cap. Carissa Norsten, named the 2024 HSBC SVNS Rookie of the Year, starts on the wing in her Canadian 15s debut while hooker Taylor McKnight, from the University of Guelph, is in line for her first cap off the bench. With stand-in skipper Alex Tessier not part of the matchday squad, veteran lock Tyson Beukeboom will lead Canada out Saturday, earning a record 76th cap. After the South Africa tour, Canada plays the ninth-ranked U.S., on Aug. 1 in Ottawa and No. 5 Ireland on Aug. 9 in Dublin. The Canadian women open the World Cup in England against No. 15 Fiji on Aug. 23 in York, then face No. 10 Wales on Aug. 30 in Manchester and No. 7 Scotland on Sept. 6 in Exeter. South Africa will play out of Group D with No. 4 France, No. 8 Italy and No. 28 Brazil. Canada's record is 13-5-1 since finishing fourth at the last World Cup. Four of the losses were to top-ranked England, with the other to No. 3 New Zealand. Canada and New Zealand played to a 27-27 tie in May in Pacific Four Series play. Canada Roster Brittany Kassil, Guelph, Ont. Guelph Goats; Gillian Boag, Calgary, Gloucester-Hartpury (England); Olivia DeMerchant, Mapledale, N.B., Halifax Tars RFC; Tyson Beukeboom, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Laetitia Royer, Loretteville, Que., ASM Romagnat (France); Pamphinette Buisa, Gatineau, Que., Ottawa Irish; Karen Paquin, Quebec City, Club de rugby de Quebec; Gabrielle Senft, Regina, Saracens (England); Justine Pelletier, Rivière-du-Loup, Que., Stade Bordelais (France); Claire Gallagher, Caledon, Ont., Leicester Tigers (England); Carissa Norsten, Waldheim, Sask., University of Victoria; Maddy Grant, Cornwall, Ont., Cornwall Claymores; Shoshanah Seumanutafa, White Rock, B.C., Counties Manukau (New Zealand); Krissy Scurfield, Canmore, Alta., Loughborough Lightning (England); Julia Schell, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England). Replacements Taylor McKnight, Stouffville, Ont., Aurora Barbarians; Mikiela Nelson, North Vancouver, B.C., Exeter Chiefs (England); Rori Wood, Sooke, B.C., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Courtney O'Donnell, Rimbey, Alta., Red Deer Titans Rugby; Rachel Smith, South Surrey, B.C., UBC; Sophie de Goede, Victoria, Saracens (England); Olivia Apps, Lindsay, Ont., Lindsay RFC; Florence Symonds, Vancouver, UBC. —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada captain Sophie de Goede starts on the bench in return from knee injury
Captain Sophie de Goede, returning to action after a 13-month injury absence, starts on the bench Saturday when Canada faces South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a women's rugby test match in Gqeberha, South Africa. The 26-year-old from Victoria last played May 19, 2024, in Canada's 22-19 win over World Cup champion New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series finale. De Goede tore her anterior cruciate ligament on June 21, 2024, in a non-contact scrimmage against the United States on the last day of a Canada sevens camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Second-ranked Canada defeated the 12th-ranked Springbok women 50-20 in a physical contest Saturday in Pretoria, improving its all-time record against South Africa to 5-0-0. Once again the women will take the field ahead of the men's match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy for the second-straight week. The South African men won 42-24 in Pretoria. Only hooker Gillian Boag, lock-turned-flanker Laetitia Royer No. 8 Gabrielle Senft and fullback Julia Schell retain their place in the Canadian starting 15. 'One of the main purposes of this tour was to make sure all 32 players got valuable playing experience and to give them the opportunity to showcase themselves on the field,' head coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement. 'It was a tough encounter in altitude last weekend, it's now time to keep growing and gaining experience with our next game. 'You'll see that there are a lot of changes to our team compared to last week but this tour was about building our depth and confidence ahead of the World Cup. I am excited to see how this group performances this week.' Rouet had said earlier that de Goede would see limited action off the bench, perhaps 20 minutes in her return to play. De Goede, one of three Canadians on World Rugby's 2024 Women's 15s Dream Team and a finalist for World Rugby's 2022 Women's 15s Player of the Year is in line to earn her 33rd cap. Carissa Norsten, named the 2024 HSBC SVNS Rookie of the Year, starts on the wing in her Canadian 15s debut while hooker Taylor McKnight, from the University of Guelph, is in line for her first cap off the bench. With stand-in skipper Alex Tessier not part of the matchday squad, veteran lock Tyson Beukeboom will lead Canada out Saturday, earning a record 76th cap. After the South Africa tour, Canada plays the ninth-ranked U.S., on Aug. 1 in Ottawa and No. 5 Ireland on Aug. 9 in Dublin. The Canadian women open the World Cup in England against No. 15 Fiji on Aug. 23 in York, then face No. 10 Wales on Aug. 30 in Manchester and No. 7 Scotland on Sept. 6 in Exeter. South Africa will play out of Group D with No. 4 France, No. 8 Italy and No. 28 Brazil. Canada's record is 13-5-1 since finishing fourth at the last World Cup. Four of the losses were to top-ranked England, with the other to No. 3 New Zealand. Canada and New Zealand played to a 27-27 tie in May in Pacific Four Series play. Canada Roster Brittany Kassil, Guelph, Ont. Guelph Goats; Gillian Boag, Calgary, Gloucester-Hartpury (England); Olivia DeMerchant, Mapledale, N.B., Halifax Tars RFC; Tyson Beukeboom, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Laetitia Royer, Loretteville, Que., ASM Romagnat (France); Pamphinette Buisa, Gatineau, Que., Ottawa Irish; Karen Paquin, Quebec City, Club de rugby de Quebec; Gabrielle Senft, Regina, Saracens (England); Justine Pelletier, Rivière-du-Loup, Que., Stade Bordelais (France); Claire Gallagher, Caledon, Ont., Leicester Tigers (England); Carissa Norsten, Waldheim, Sask., University of Victoria; Maddy Grant, Cornwall, Ont., Cornwall Claymores; Shoshanah Seumanutafa, White Rock, B.C., Counties Manukau (New Zealand); Krissy Scurfield, Canmore, Alta., Loughborough Lightning (England); Julia Schell, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England). Replacements Taylor McKnight, Stouffville, Ont., Aurora Barbarians; Mikiela Nelson, North Vancouver, B.C., Exeter Chiefs (England); Rori Wood, Sooke, B.C., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Courtney O'Donnell, Rimbey, Alta., Red Deer Titans Rugby; Rachel Smith, South Surrey, B.C., UBC; Sophie de Goede, Victoria, Saracens (England); Olivia Apps, Lindsay, Ont., Lindsay RFC; Florence Symonds, Vancouver, UBC. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025.
