Canada expect landmark victory over Red Roses – Apps
Canada scrum-half Olivia Apps says her side would be deeply disappointed if they failed to beat England in Toronto, after drawing 26-26 with the Red Roses in Exeter last month. The result ended England’s run of nearly four years without being held to a draw or beaten, and has strengthened Canada’s belief that they can win the two-match series.
The first Test is at Toronto’s BMO Field on Friday, with more than 15,000 fans expected, followed by a match in Ottawa a week later. The Rugby Rematch Tour revisits England’s World Cup final win over Canada last year. Apps, who plays for Saracens and was named the PWR’s player of the season, says the Canadian squad has trained together for five weeks and feels confident; the team’s World Cup run also preceded a new C$755m government sport funding package, though its impact on rugby is not yet clear.
- Canada drew 26-26 with England last month.
- Olivia Apps says Canada expect to challenge for victory.
- More than 15,000 fans are expected in Toronto.
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Canada and England are among the leading teams in women’s rugby union, a sport in which players carry, pass and kick an oval ball to score tries. England’s team is known as the Red Roses. The sides met in last year’s World Cup final, which England won.
Olivia Apps is Canada’s scrum-half, a position that helps link the forwards and backs during play. She also plays for Saracens, an English club, and was named the top player in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby competition. The teams are playing two Tests in Canada, a week apart in Toronto and Ottawa.
The series gives both teams a chance to measure themselves against a major international rival. Canada’s recent World Cup performances were followed by a new Canadian government package for sport, although its effect on rugby is not yet known.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Canada have good reason to believe they can win: they drew with England last month, ending the Red Roses’ long unbeaten run, and have had five weeks together to prepare. A home crowd in Toronto could give them further momentum, while success would reward a team whose World Cup progress has raised the profile of Canadian rugby.
The case against
England remain a formidable side and won the World Cup final against Canada last year, so one draw does not establish that the balance has shifted. The match is part of a two-Test series, and England can draw on their experience at the highest level; Canada’s confidence is understandable, but a victory is not assured.