On a bright and breezy day in Devon, the goal was to avoid facing England in the next round. But if Canada keeps playing this well, avoiding them might become just as important for the tournament favorites. Kévin Rouet’s team now leads Pool B after a strong performance on both offense and defense, and they’re set to play Australia in the quarter-finals, assuming results go as expected in Brighton later.
Canada’s hooker, Emily Tuttosi, scored two of their six tries in a 40–19 win, earning her the player of the match award. Scotland, led by Bryan Easson and already through to the last eight after beating Wales and Fiji, fought hard but were outplayed by a disciplined and well-organized Canadian side. Scotland has lost seven of their last eight matches against Canada, with their only win coming at the 1994 Rugby World Cup. They haven’t beaten England since 1998, and now they’re set to meet them in the quarter-finals. History may not be on their side, but they have both skill and determination.
With both teams already qualified, there was a chance to celebrate some personal milestones. Canada’s Tyson Beukeboom earned her 81st cap, becoming the country’s all-time appearance leader, male or female. Substitutes Brittany Kassil and Courtney Holtkamp also marked their 50th caps together. For Scotland, lock Sarah Bonar reached her 50th cap and led the team onto the field. The captains, Alex Tessier and Rachel Malcolm, shared a smile in the tunnel, reflecting the positive atmosphere of the tournament.
Canada’s first real attack saw Florence Symonds drop a pass near Scotland’s 22, but the pressure soon told. Prop McKinley Hunt powered over after a strong push from the Canadian pack. Julia Schell’s tackle and turnover on Rhona Lloyd highlighted Canada’s defensive strength, though Scotland’s Helen Nelson was taken off for a head injury assessment after colliding with teammate Lisa Cockburn, who was also substituted minutes later.
Scotland managed to establish themselves in Canada’s 22 and pressed for a yellow card after repeated infringements, including one by Tessier under the posts. They kept the ball moving, and Rachel McLachlan’s clever pass sent Lloyd over for a try on the right wing. It was only the second try Canada’s defense had conceded in the tournament.
Scotland celebrated a knock-on, but Canada remained in control. Evie Gallagher received a yellow card for a breakdown infringement near the try line, and soon after, Canada was awarded a penalty try following more powerful phase play. Just before halftime, Tuttosi scored a brilliant try, set up by Sophie de Goede’s strength and skill, putting Canada 14 points ahead at the break and leaving Scotland with a tough challenge ahead.Match Summary: Canada 40-19 Scotland
Teams and Scorers
Canada: Schell; Farries, Symonds (Seumanutafa 65′), Tessier (capt.), Hogan-Rochester; Perry, Pelletier; Hunt (Kassil 46′), Tuttosi (Boag 62′), Menin (De Goede 42′, Crossley 72′), De Goede (O’Donnell 41′), Beukeboom (Royer 62′), Forteza, Paquin, Senft (O’Donnell 46′).
Replacements: Boag, Kassil, DeMerchant, Royer, O’Donnell, Crossley, Apps, Seumanutafa.
Tries: Hunt, penalty try, Tuttosi (2), Kassil, DeMerchant
Conversions: De Goede (3), Tessier
Scotland: Rollie (Martin 53′); Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie; Nelson (Wills 19′ HIA), Brebner-Holden (Mattinson 58′); Bartlett (Young 64′), Skeldon, Cockburn (Poolman 24′ HIA), Wassell (Donaldson 67′), Bonar (Konkel 58′), Malcolm (capt.), McLachlan (Stewart 58′), Gallagher.
Replacements: Martin, Young, Poolman, Konkel, Donaldson, Stewart, Mattinson, Wills.
Tries: Lloyd, Gallagher, McGhie
Conversions: Nelson (2)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SA)
Match Highlights
Gallagher scored a brilliant try 11 minutes into the second half, cutting the deficit to seven points. However, Scotland’s defensive lapse allowed Tuttosi to power over again from a lineout drive, with Bonar missing a tackle. Shortly after, Nelson appeared to score from a long lineout throw, but the try was disallowed after a TMO review.
Kassil then finished superbly close to the posts, driven over with support from teammates, and De Goede’s conversion extended the lead to 21 points, sealing the result. A late try by Fran McGhie gave Scotland a glimmer of hope, but Olivia DeMerchant quickly responded with Canada’s sixth try, converted by Tessier.
Both teams will continue their campaigns, but Canada’s dominant performance makes them a formidable opponent for any side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about Canadas rugby victory over Scotland designed for both new and experienced fans
General Beginner Questions
Q Who won the rugby match between Canada and Scotland
A Canada won the match
Q What was the final score
A Canada defeated Scotland with a sixtry victory The exact score was 3612
Q What does a sixtry victory mean
A In rugby a try is the main way to score similar to a touchdown in American football Its worth 5 points A sixtry victory means Canada scored six tries demonstrating a very dominant offensive performance
Q Is this a major upset
A Yes this is considered a significant upset Scotland is traditionally a much stronger rugby nation so Canadas decisive win is a huge statement
Q Was this a World Cup game
A No this was not an official Rugby World Cup match It was a preparatory test match or friendly game that teams play to get ready for major tournaments like the World Cup
Advanced Strategic Questions
Q What strong message did Canada send with this win
A The message is that Canada is a serious rising force in international rugby Beating a toptier nation like Scotland so convincingly tells the world that they are a team to watch and should not be underestimated in future competitions
Q Why is this result so important for Canadian rugby
A It provides massive momentum and confidence for the team A win like this boosts their world ranking attracts more media attention and funding to the sport domestically and inspires a new generation of players
Q What are the key takeaways from Canadas performance
A Key takeaways likely include a powerful and effective offensive attack a strong defensive effort and excellent overall team cohesion and strategy
Q How does this result impact the upcoming World Cup
A While not a direct qualification game it sends a psychological shockwave through the tournament Other teams in Canadas World Cup pool will now view them as a much more dangerous opponent forcing them to prepare differently
Q Who were the standout players for Canada in this match
A While specific player names would come from match
