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Canada secured the top spot in their pool with a victory over Scotland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Scotland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign has led them to an anticipated, yet undesired, quarter-final clash against England.
Head Coach Bryan Easson had hoped his team could upset Canada, thereby avoiding a potential match against the tournament favorites. The game against England is scheduled for next Sunday and will be broadcast live on the BBC (16:00 BST).
However, Canada proved too strong for Scotland in Saturday’s match in Exeter. The Canadians clinched their third consecutive win, topping Pool B and setting up a quarter-final encounter with Australia.
“We competed closely with the second-best team globally, and now we face a more challenging path,” Easson commented to BBC Scotland.
“We acknowledged that we would either take the lift or the stairs – it appears we must now take the stairs.”
Scotland to face hosts England after Canada defeat
Scottish rugby reaction, analysis & have your say
Scotland showcased resilience and posed significant challenges to the world’s second-ranked team at various points during the match.
Rhona Lloyd, Evie Gallagher, and Francesca McGhie each scored impressive tries for the Scottish side.
However, Canada capitalized on errors with ruthless efficiency. Every time Scotland seemed poised to regain control, the Canadians responded with timely scores, effectively stifling any comeback attempts.
The Scotland camp experienced a mix of pride and frustration following the match.
Pride in their ability to compete fiercely against one of Test rugby’s powerhouses.
Frustration that key moments, such as Helen Nelson’s disallowed try in the hour, which would have brought Scotland within a single score, did not go their way.
“I believe we had opportunities to seize the game today,” stated Captain Rachel Malcolm to BBC Scotland.
“The periods where we faltered, particularly the 10 minutes before halftime and the disallowed try, proved to be pivotal moments.
“Had that try been allowed, I believe the momentum we could have generated from it could have changed the outcome. We need to improve our ability to manage these shifts in momentum.
“In terms of performance, I’m not sure anyone anticipated that level of play from us.”
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Gallagher has been ‘outstanding’ for Scotland at World Cup – BBC pundits
Expectations for Scotland’s progression in the World Cup beyond their upcoming match against the Red Roses in Bristol are minimal.
Scotland has not defeated England since 1999. The RFU’s earlier adoption of professionalism in women’s rugby has widened the gap between the two nations.
The average score in the last 10 encounters has been 53-4 in favor of England.
The tournament appears to be England’s to win, and their dominant performance against Australia in the final pool match, achieved without reaching their full potential, is a warning to any team standing in their path.
Next, they face Scotland. Having already achieved their goal of reaching the quarter-finals, Scotland now has the opportunity to attempt what many would consider the greatest upset in the tournament’s history.
“The pressure is undoubtedly on them,” fly-half Helen Nelson told BBC Scotland. “It’s their home tournament, and they’re certainly in excellent form.
“We embrace the underdog narrative. A home World Cup in England, playing England in the quarter-final – it doesn’t get much bigger than that.
“We know them very well, and they are an exceptional team. However, I believe we’ve been growing stronger, and we’ll give it our all again next week.”