Canada put on an impressive performance on Saturday night, beating Ireland 47 - 26 at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast.
Ireland were no doubt expecting to positively build on their victory against Scotland last weekend, where they pulled off a 27 - 21 win, but the world number twos were able to establish dominance from the beginning.
Canada held a 19 point lead at half time having scored five tries, and although Ireland stepped it up a gear in the second half, racing across the try line three times to close the points difference, it was ultimately not enough to defeat the visitors.
Ireland’s performance
Anna McGann and Biebhinn Parsons shouldered the weight of the Irish attack, scoring two tries each in an effort to even the score - with Parsons’ opportunistic first try off the back of Canada’s high tackle on Ivana Kiripati being their only points in the whole first half.
McGann scored twice in three minutes, causing the home crowd to roar as Ireland valiantly pushed back against Canada.
However, Canada proved too quick for Ireland, particularly in defence with crucial errors like no defenders engaging with Canadian scum-half Justine Pelletier as she ran towards - and across - the line after a ruck on the 22.
Despite the defeat, Scott Berman’s squad did exhibit their ability to fight back under pressure, and resilience against the odds - something which also featured in their 80 minutes against Scotland, when they fought back against two early Scottish tries.
There were 10 changes to the starting XV from the squad that faced Scotland, and Berman is sure to be thinking carefully about who will start their first pool match against Japan on August 24.
This perseverance is sure to bolster confidence as they gear up for the start of the Women’s World Cup 2025, where they will face New Zealand, Japan and Spain in Pool C - tough opposition which includes the reigning World Champions the Black Ferns.
Canada’s performance
The world number two’s will be heading into the pool stages in a strong position, having convincingly won all of their games in the lead up to the tournament, beating the USA 42 - 10 and South Africa 33 - 5.
The Canadian team, led by coach Kévin Rouet, will face Scotland, Wales and Fiji in Pool B, and will be anticipating to easily move into the quarterfinals as the highest ranked team of their group.
A try in the ninth minute from Florence Symonds, followed by another from Justine Pelletier four minutes later, demonstrated Canada’s formidable offensive skills. Symonds, Menin and Faries all also touched down in the first half to complete a clinical 40 minutes.
Although Ireland stepped up a gear in the second half and Canada struggled to respond, they continued to threaten with their counterattack, with Julia Schell notching another try after a speedy breakaway.
What next?
Canada will face Fiji in York on August 23 at 17:30 GMT, whilst Ireland’s match against Japan will follow at midday on August 24 in Northampton.
All Women’s Rugby World Cup matches will be live on BBC and England Rugby’s YouTube channel.