Scotland showed resilience throughout their match, but Canada ultimately secured a 40-19 victory at Sandy Park, guaranteeing them the top position in pool B.
The Scottish team faced relentless Canadian attacks, characterized by numerous offloads and sustained phases, with the Canadian team frequently relying on their forwards to advance.
Scotland frequently managed to contain Canada’s advances, but Canada’s powerful forwards ultimately proved too dominant.
Prop McKinley Hunt successfully scored from short range within the initial ten minutes. Scotland answered with a try by Rhona Lloyd, resulting from skillful teamwork.
This marked the pinnacle of Scotland’s first-half performance. A yellow card for Evie Gallagher led to a penalty try for Canada around the 30-minute mark. Following this, a well-coordinated team effort concluded with hooker Emily Tuttosi reaching over to extend Canada’s lead to 19-5 by halftime.
Throughout the second half, Canada maintained their lead. Scotland presented moments of danger with individual tries from Evie Gallagher and Francesca McGhie.
Between Scotland’s scores, player of the match Tuttosi and Brittany Kassil each scored, with replacement prop Olivia DeMerchant securing a try from short range, making the game unattainable for Scotland.
Match Summary 
Front row: Canada with the Upper Hand
The front row forwards were in scoring form. Both Hunt and Tuttosi managed to score tries, with Tuttosi finding the try line twice following a lineout. DaLeaka Menin consistently posed a threat with her carries, and DeMerchant was successful in scoring when she entered the game. The Scottish front row did not have the same level of influence.
Second row: Canada Gained the Advantage
Sophie de Goede displayed exceptional skill at different moments. Despite giving away a penalty at the lineout, the lock had 18 carries and completed 17 tackles. She also kicked three conversions. Her pickup and offload in Tuttosi’s first try was remarkable. Tyson Beukeboom, playing in her 81st match, became Canada’s most capped international player. Sarah Bonar and Emma Wassell worked tirelessly against a powerful pack, and the Scottish lineout was efficient.
Back row: Scotland Showed Superiority
The back row players from the losing side delivered exceptional performances. Rachel Malcolm made 15 tackles, and Rachel McLachlan played excellent defense, with her offloading being very impactful. Her touch under pressure for Chloe Rollie in the lead-up to Scotland’s first try was a stand-out moment.
Evie Gallager was also important, securing crucial turnovers. Despite some handling errors and a yellow card, she made a fantastic run through the Canadian defense to score a try, consistently posing a threat.
Half backs: Advantage Canada
Justone Pelletier effectively managed Canada’s game, and her breakdown distribution was very fast. Olivia Apps entered the game in the 55th minute and kept up the high tempo.
Taylor Perry directed the game well at fly-half, while her counterpart Helen Nelson had a less impactful match, missing a penalty kick that could have given Scotland possession inside Canada’s 22. She also conceded a penalty for being offside while trying to score from a set play during the lineout.
Centres: Canada Showed Better Form
Alex Tessier showcased her skill with her kicking, distribution, and evasiveness. Florence Symonds was reliable in her duties.
Emma Orr of Scotland displayed good distribution skills, while Lisa Thomson had mixed results. Her offload led to Scotland’s first try, but her kick out and less accurate kicks gave Canada territory and possession, leading to more defensive duties for her teammates.
Back three: Scotland Displayed Superiority
Fullback Rollie assisted Lloyd for their first try. Lloyd had her best performance for Scotland in some time, while McGhie scored another try, using her speed and deception. A run through the Canadian defense in the second half highlighted her ability, and her run through defenders led to her sixth try of the tournament.
Asia Hogan-Rochester, Paige Farries, and Julia Schell from Canada did not manage to score, and there were some miscommunications that hindered their attacks.
