from Scrumqueens:

The year following the Women’s Rugby World Cup is normally fairly quiet as teams regroup and rebuild, and this year has been no different.

Just 54 test matches were played in 2011, making it the quietest year for women’s test rugby since 2005.

However, fears that the lure of Olympic rugby would mean that countries would start to move away from the long form of the game towards Sevens have so far proven groundless. 32 nations played test rugby during the year, and the game continued to grow and expand into new territories. Three nations making their test match debuts – Switzerland, Laos and the Philippines – and several others, including China, Thailand and Uzbekistan, returned to fifteen-aside rugby after a break of several years.

By far and away the busiest team was England, to the extent that they were involved nearly a quarter of all the tests played in the year – 13 in all, winning 11, drawing one, and losing only to France when a young and largely experimental team spent rain-swept week in Provence as part of England’s preparations for the visit of world champions New Zealand. It was a schedule that rivalled professional men’s national teams and is all the more impressive when the six “unofficial” and “A” team internationals, plus a further seven U20 tests, are added to the equation.

Over the year England played every other team in the world’s top ten (with the exception of Australia) – while the U20 team played (and beat) every other U20 team in the world. They again dominated the Six Nations, winning their 11th Grand Slam and sixth successive title, running in 68 points against Italy and record-breaking 89 against Scotland, before crossing the Atlantic for the third Nations Cup.

Though here England were also unbeaten, the competition proved to be a much more testing affair than the Six Nations. In the pool games only an injury time try saved them from defeat to the USA, after which hosts Canada also pushed England far closer than any European opposition had managed. And while England went on to win the final fairly comfortably, Canada still managed to score 19 points – more points than any full-strength England team had conceded since the 2006 World Cup Final.

England’s A team also had success, winning an incredibly exciting FIRA European Championship, superbly organised in Corunna by Spain, who reached the final and lead England until 12 minutes from time before going down by only 5-3. Spain’s 15-a-side team can often be over-shadowed by the success of their Sevens squad, by it is worth noting that England were the only team to beat Spain in a year where the “The Lions” defeated a full-strength Scotland in January, and then beat a near full-strength French XV in a thrilling and emotional FIRA afternoon in front of a packed crowd at the University of Coruña.

That Spanish defeat was the lowest point of the year for France as they rebuilt after an ultimately disappointing World Cup. After England they were the busiest nation in world rugby, with seven tests and four A internationals, plus one U20 international. At times they could be sublimely brilliant – most especially in their opening Six Nations game against Scotland – and overall they reaffirmed their place as Europe’s number two rugby nation. However they showed some fragility against Ireland and badly missed the boot of Aurélie Bailon throughout most of the year. However, a highly successful Autumn series, with wins over England and Italy, has clearly boosted the confidence of the French team and could be the springboard for a much closer Six Nations in 2012.

Scotland and Italy were the only other “major” European nations to play test rugby outside of the Six Nations. The two teams overall had similar records and again occupied the bottom third of the Six Nations table, but Italy continued to grow and develop as a team and had one of their best years ever, with growing enthusiasm on and off the field – a test match in Italy is now an experience that every team will be looking forward to as Italian host communities took hospitality to new heights in 2011.

Unfortunately the only thing that seems to grow for Scotland is gap between them and the rest of the Six Nations. It may be a rebuilding time, but this was still their worst season ever, with defeats by record margins to Spain, France, Wales, England and Italy. They did finish the year with a win – against a young Dutch team largely lacking their Sevens professionals – but unless dramatic improvements are made Scotland could struggle to qualify for the World Cup in 2014.

However, in their favour the SRU are doing all they can with limited resources. They have formed an A team and a U20 side, and do organise extra games. The same cannot be said for Ireland and Wales who continue to put in excellent Six Nations performances despite the lack of development opportunities. That the Irish in particular could again finish third in the Six Nations despite barely seeing each other outside of the championship is truly remarkable – one if left to wonder what they could achieve if they were given a fraction of the support that their opponents receive.

Or even the levels of support that South Africa are starting to be given. Outside of Europe and North America no Union gives more support to its women’s team than the SARU. And it does not come cheap – as no-one seems to wish to visit them, the South Africans have to travel overseas for all of their international rugby – but their efforts finally bore fruit in August when the world 10th ranked side memorably beat a USA side (5th in the world) that had come within four points of England only a week before. If the SARU continues with this level of support, a far higher position in 2014 can be assured.

Elsewhere in the world test rugby continued in isolated islands of activity. The Caribbean championship was again won by Trinidad, who now have one of the best playing records in the history of the women’s game (11 wins in 13 tests) – mainly because they never have an opportunity to play anyone outside the Caribbean.

Kenya and Uganda also continue to play in a world of their own, though this year it was a world riven with controversy when both sides claimed to have won the annual Elgon Cup tournament after Uganda first cancelled and then (at the last minute) reinstated the second leg of the competition, but not after the Kenyans had been presented with the prize after the first leg because of that cancellation. The result was confusion compounded by an ugly and ill-tempered war of words with no real resolution. Hopefully, despite this, the tournament (funding permitted) should go ahead in 2012 – and most probably with a new sponsor.

Similarly isolated, Asian rugby had a fairly quiet year. There was no senior continental championship and regional super-power Kazakhstan could manage only one test, a relatively easy win over neighbours Uzbekistan, while Japan beat Hong Kong, who in turn defeated Singapore. However, the year did end with the re-emergence of a sleeping giant as a Chinese 15-a-side team who took the field for the first time for four years, winning a continental “Division II” title with some ease. Given a fair wind and continued support China could yet threaten Kazakhstan’s place in the 2014 World Cup.

Nonetheless the climax of the test match year came right at the end, with the reappearance of New Zealand for the first time since the World Cup. Their loss in the series against England shows that the power in world rugby could be shifting – it may no longer be possible for the Black Ferns to rely almost entirely on the strength and competitiveness of their domestic game to remain at the top of world rugby.

That series will be repeated next year and will undoubtedly be the highlight of the 2012. Next year will also see the first qualification games for the 2014 World Cup in Europe, and will certainly be the last opportunity for most of the rest of the world to complete their experimentation and rebuilding. As usual what else the year will bring remains something of a mystery, though history shows that it should be even busier than this year. A major highlight will definitely be the quadrennial European Championship in May, but will we also see an Asian “Division I” tournament, or perhaps the reappearance of Australia? If 2011 was a memorable year, 2012 has the potential to be even better.

See here for a full review of the 7s game this year.

Test playing nations in 2011:

England (13 tests); France (7); Scotland (7); Italy (6); Ireland (5); Wales (5); Canada (4); South Africa (4); United States (4); China (3); Spain (3); Trinidad and Tobago (3); Jamaica (3); Thailand (3); Cayman Islands (3); Netherlands (3); Philippines (3); Sweden (3); New Zealand (3); Caribbean Select XV (3); Finland (3); Laos (3); Russia (2); Hong Kong (2); Kenya (2); Uganda (2); Japan (1); Kazakhstan (1); Switzerland (1); Thailand (1); Belgium (1); Singapore (1); Uzbekistan (1)

Tournament winners:

Six Nations: England
FIRA European Championship: England A
NACRA Caribbean Championship: Trinidad & Tobago
Nations Cup: England
Asian Championship (Div II): China

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

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See the rosters, scores and schedule from the Nations Cup Tournament here.

from Womens Nations Cup website:

Aggressive from the start, the final game of the Nations Cup 2011 had power teams England and Canada battle against each other at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario. It was in the second half of the game England overpowered Canada to win 41-19.

Canada’s Laura Russell dashed through England’s defence quickly and entered the opposing team’s territory only to be stopped early. Despite the near attempts from Canada to score a try, the first points were taken by England’s Emily Scarratt through a penalty kick.

Replying in kind, Canada delivered a swift penalty kick through the posts to even the score to 3-3, cheered on by the large crowd that gathered to watch.

England pushed hard with a solid offense that had the hosting country scramble for solid ground. A scrum to Canada was broken down twice before England was given the reign. Margaret Alphonsi, placed in an open position, ran through the Canadian defences to get the first try. Scarratt easily scored the conversion to give England the lead 10-3.

Dressed in their red jersey’s, Canada delivered a kick deep into England’s zone, but a breakaway from Kelsey Willoughby was halted midstride, as were several other attempts from the hosting team.

A fast-paced game, a second try was quickly taken by England’s Kat Merchant, along with the conversion by Scarratt to pull away at 17-3. Canada returned the fire with some brilliant footwork, as Jen Kish bypassed several defenders to score a try t make the score 17-8.

A penalty kick to Canada at halftime put the score to 17-11.

The second half of the game proved to be difficult for the Canadian team, as England’s continued strength in offense and defense seemed to overwhelm the hosting nation. The speed of the game went from high intensity to a slow burn, where the slightest misstep caused the attacking team to falter.

Quick to attack, England’s winger Kay Wilson scored the first try, shortly followed by a penalty kick to Canada’s Cheryl Phillips that placed the score at 22-14. The game was a show of strength and agility, where England kept the score at a large margin and Canada played catch-up.

Another two tries by Sarah Hunter and Claire Allen, and the conversion by Scarratt allowed England a wide berth of 34-14, yet the visiting team did not let up as the time dwindled down.

A valiant effort from Canada’s backs allowed inside centre Mandy Marchak a last minute try against England’s formerly impenetrable defence.

Canada’s Head Coach John Tait stated the team fell off their game plan.

“We lost out on a lot of one-on-one tackles and let it get to us. We have to work on our tackles because our top players are lacking it right now. We have three years now to work towards the World Cup that we now need to address.”

It was England who had the last say of the game, as a quick surge by Alphonsi gave England another try, and her second, before the end of the game. The conversion kick by Scarratt was put smoothly through the posts that resulted in the final score of 41-19 to England.

For England, Head Coach Gary Street said, “It was a fantastic experience we’ve had and it was a chance test our players out, as well as see the other teams.”

England placed first, Canada second, U.S.A. third in the 2011 Nations Cup

Final Score:  England 41 – Canada 19

Canada Tries: Kish, Marchak
Canada Penalties: Berk, Phillips (2)

England Tries: Alphonsi (2), Merchant, Wilson, Hunter, Allen,
England Conversions: Scarratt (3), Phillips, Mclean,
England Penalties: Scarratt

Canadian Roster vs. England
1. Laura Russell (Toronto Nomads)
2. Kim Donaldson (Burnaby Lake RFC)
3. Brandi van Eeuwen (Lethbridge RFC)
4. Danielle Rowlands (Calgary Hornets)
5. Maria Jaworski (Calgary Hornets)
6. Kelsey Willoughby (Lethbridge RFC)
7. Jen Kish (Lep Tigers)
8. Kelly Russell (Toronto Nomads) ©
9. Laura Stoughton (Calgary Hornets)
10. Ghislaine Landry (Toronto Scottish)
11. Julianne Zussman (Town of Mount Royal RFC)
12. Mandy Marchak (Capilano)
13. Andrea Burk (Capilano)
14. Cheryl Phillips (Toronto Scottish)
15. Brittany Waters
–
16. Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid (Club de Rugby de Québec)
17. Ashley MacDonald
18. Megan Gibbs
19. Kayla Mack
20. Julia Sugawara
21. Jessica Dovanne
22. Arielle Dubissette-Borrice

Staff:
Head Coach: John Tait
Assistant Coach: Sandro Fiorino
Specialist Coach: Gary Dukelow
Manager: Penny Delaney
Therapist: Darren Wharrie
Therapist: Jason White
Press Officer: Jeff Hull, Cassandra Chin

England Roster vs. Canada
1. Claire Purdy (Wasps)
2. Amy Garnett (Saracens)
3. Sophie Hemming ( )
4. Tamara Taylor (Worchester)
5. Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
6. Rebecca Essex (Richmond)
7. Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens)
8. Sarah Hunter (Lichfield)
9. La Toya Mason (Wasps)
10. Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park) ©
11. Kay Wilson ()
12. Alice Richardson (Richmond)
13. Clare Allan (Richmond)
14. Kat Merchant
15. Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
–
16. Vicky Fleetwood
17. Rochelle Clark (Richmond)
18. Jenny Brightmore (Worchester)
19. Marlie Packer
20. Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
21. Sarah McKenna (Old Albanians)
22. Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

Staff:
Head Coach: Gary Street
Assistant Coach: Graham Smith
Manager: Janette Shaw
Doctor: Jo Larkin
Physiotherapist: Jill Chapman
S&C Coach: Dan Howells
Video Analyst: Dave Gardner

See the rosters, scores and schedule from the Nations Cup Tournament here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: England vs Canada for Nations Cup Title Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
2. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: Canada vs England Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
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See the rosters, scores and schedule from the Nations Cup Tournament here.

Watch the match video and read the play-by-play tweets here.

from USA Rugby:

Photo courtesy of http://www.pbase.com/imagenation/wnc2011savusa

ONTARIO, Canada — The USA Women’s National Team beat South Africa by a clean 20 point margin on Saturday at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario to claim third place in the Women’s Nations Cup. With a final score of 29-9, the USA avenged their 23-26 loss on Tuesday to the South Africans and will leave the tournament on a positive note.
“Our goal going into the tournament was to play our best game on the last day and we did that,” said USA Head Coach Pete Steinberg.
The coach also noted that the USA was the only team in the Women’s Nations Cup to not concede a single try in 80 minutes. A focus on defense after the last South Africa clash contributed to that impressive stat.

USA Captain, Jamie Burke, applauded her squad’s commitment to the game plan and a positive team mentality for the win.
“I think we came together really well as a team and executed our game plan,” said the captain. “The team is really cohesive with a really good culture. It’s also a team that can win. It’s not very common for a team to have all of those things. This win is very important for the team moving forward.”

The first half saw both teams struggle to find a rhythm. Handling errors and untidy breakdowns haunted both sides and accounted for some scrappy passages of play. Soon the early-game jitters subsided and the USA hit their stride.

The Women’s Eagles were very aggressive in defense and at the breakdown, sometimes too much so. Two American penalties in the first half gave South Africa a 6-0 lead and the USA got a wake up call.

Blindside flanker Shaina Turley was a human battering ram on both sides of the ball. On one occasion, a South African defender was flattened when she tried to tackle Turley at full clip. Her work at the breakdown was excellent as well. Turley’s captain, Burke, praised the blindside flanker for her dogged work rate and intensity during the pre-game pep talk and on the field.

Physical defense and strength in the contact area rattled the South Africans and even resulted in a USA try as the Women’s Eagles forced a turnover and Vanesha McGee rocketed forwards and bashed through tackles to get to the line. Add that to a penalty from moments earlier and a successful conversion by Pam Kosanke and the USA found themselves ahead four points at the half.

Steinberg felt his team was losing a bit at the point of contact, and rallied the troops at halftime to close out the win and keep the intensity up. That advice held and the Women’s Eagles showed controlled aggression to win that point of contact for the rest of the game.
McGee’s speed and strength continued to cause all kinds of headaches for the South Africans in the second half and she darted through the defense regularly and tallied another five-pointer.

Rugged forward play helped set up the backline moves, and the USA forwards were strong in support as well as evidenced by Laura Miller’s try in the second half. Miller, the big lock, was on the wing and ran a great line to gather an offload and dive over in the corner for a try. That try swung the momentum in the USA’s favor.
Samantha Pankey found herself in the try zone for the last USA try, a just reward for her efforts in the encounter.

USA Women’s Eagles
15 Pam Kosanke (Chicago North Shore)
14 Vanesha McGee (New York Rugby Club)
13 Amy Daniels (Beantown)
12 Samantha Pankey (James River)
11 Katie Dowty (Beantown)
10 Sadie Anderson (Penn State)
9 Kim Magrini (Keystone)
1 Farrah Douglas (DC Furies)
2 Lisa Butts (Nor Cal Triple Threat)
3 Jamie Burke, captain (Beantown)
4 Stacey Bridges (At Large)
5 Laura Miller (DC Furies)
6 Shaina Turley (San Diego Surfers)
7 Lynelle Kugler (Twin City Amazons)
8 Kate Daley (Chicago North Shore)

Reserves
16 Devin Keller (Keystone)
17 Sarah Chobot (Minnesota Valkyries)
18 Lauren Daly (At Large)
19 Kittery Wagner (Beantown)
20 Carrie White (Seattle Rugby)
21 Rebecca Brafman (New York Rugby Club)
22 Kaelene Lundstrum (Twin City Amazons)

USA
Tries: McGee (2), Miller, Pankey
Cons: Kosanke (3)
Penalties: Kosanke
South Africa
Nojoko (3)

See the rosters, scores and schedule from the Nations Cup Tournament here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: SA over USA and England over Canada Repost from Scrumqueens: South Africa have recorded a famous victory...
2. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: USA vs South Africa Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...

Rumors again that this match may not be live, but delayed again…check back tomorrow at 3:00pm CST to see if it is live here. Once the archived video is posted we will post it here. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates as well.

See the rosters, scores and schedule here.

Vote for who you think will take the Nations Cup Title here.

8/15: Match Report

422pm: Second try from England’s Alphonsi ; final score England 41, Canada 14
417pm: Rallying in the last minutes, Canada’s inside centre Mandy Marchak scores a try; ENG 34 CAN 19
414pm: England try by outside centre Claire Allen as the last minutes of the game continue; ENG 34 CAN 14
406pm: England Sarah Hunter runs alone down the sideline to gain another try. Conversion is good. England 29 Canada 14
405pm: PK by Canada brings the score to England 22 Canada 14
4:00pm England’s Kay Wilson charges through the Canada defense to put up her 2nd try. England 22 Canada 11
346pm: Canada Cheryl Phillips slots a penalty kick before half. England 17 Canada 11
337pm: Canada #6 Jen Kish breaks through the defense and scores for Canada. Kick is missed. Canada 8 England 10
327pm: #14 for England scores in the corner. England 17 Canada 3
316pm: England #6 Maggie Alphonsi scores under the post. Kick was good. England 10 Canada 3
311pm: Canada has their own PK chance and they make it. Canada 3 England 3
306pm: England gets on the board first with a successful PK. England 3 Canada 0
303pm: The Final has started! Canada comes out of the gate quick and almost scores.
235pm: Feed for the USA/SA match was spotty at best. Stay tuned for updates.

England Roster
15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)
13 Claire Allan (Richmond)
12 Alice Richardson (Richmond)
11 Kay Wilson (Richmond)
10 Katy McLean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
9 La Toya Mason (Wasps)
1 Claire Purdy (Wasps)
2 Amy Garnett (Saracens)
3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol)
4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
5 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
6 Rebecca Essex (Richmond)
7 Margaret Alphonsi (VC) (Saracens)
8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield)

Replacements:
16 Vicky Fleetwood (Lichfield)
17 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)
18 Jenny Brightmore (Worcester)
19 Marlie Packer (Bristol)
20 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
21 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanians Saints)
22 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

Canada Roster

1. Laura Russell (Toronto Nomads)
2. Kim Donaldson (Burnaby Lake RFC)
3. Brandi van Eeuwen (Lethbridge RFC)
4. Danielle Rowlands (Calgary Hornets)
5. Maria Jaworski (Calgary Hornets)
6. Kelsey Willoughby (Lethbridge RFC)
7. Jen Kish ( Lep Tigers)
8. Kelly Russell (Capt) (Toronto Nomads)
9. Laura Stoughton (Calgary Hornets)
10. Ghislaine Landry (Toronto Scottish)
11. Julianne Zussman (Town of Mount Royal RFC)
12. Mandy Marchak (Capilano)
13. Andrea Burk (Capilano)
14. Cheryl Phillips (Toronto Scottish)
15. Brittany Waters (Meralomas)

Reserves
16. Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid (Club de Rugby de Québec)
17. Ashley MacDonald (Lethbridge RFC)
18. Megan Gibbs (Markham Irish)
19. Kayla Mack (Wild Oats)
20. Julia Sugawara (Burnaby Lake RFC)
21. Jessica Dovanne (Velox Valkyries)
22. Arielle Dubissette-Borrice (Toronto Scottish)

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: Canada vs England Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
2. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: South Africa vs England Unfortunately this match will not be broadcast. The archive should...
3. Nations Cup: SA over USA and England over Canada Repost from Scrumqueens: South Africa have recorded a famous victory...

True, we aren't broadcasting this match, but where else can you find the roster, match notes, schedule AND archive video in one place? Consider a donation! http://www.scrumhalfconnection.com/tv/

Rumors again that this match may not be live, but delayed again…check back tomorrow at 1:00pm CST to see if it is live here. Once the archived video is posted we will post it here. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates as well.

See the rosters, scores and schedule here.

USA vs SA from USA Women's Eagles on Vimeo.

8/15: Match Report

232pm: Final Whistle and USA has finished 3rd at the Nations Cup. USA 29 SA 9
227pm: #14 Vanesha McGee scores her 2nd try of the match after a strong run by USA supporters. Conversion is good. USA 29 SA 9
224pm: USA penalized again at the ruck. Interesting as the SA player was doing the same thing!
223pm: USA quick lineout and they chip it over the top…SA takes it and kicks to touch.
218pm: USA subs, #18 Lauren Daly and #19 Kitt Wanger are on the pitch.
214pm: USA is strong on the kick off, moving the ball well but McGee is brought into touch.
213pm: #12 Pankey scores for USA as she smashes through the SA defense. Conversion is good. USA 22 SA 9
211pm: Penalty to USA but PK is missed wide. USA 15 SA 9
205pm: SA stumbles with the ball and USA picks it up and moves in to attack.
159pm: Another USA penalty and SA #10 gets the penalty kick. USA 15 SA 9
156pm: USA moves it through the hands to #5 Laurie Miller to score in the corner. Conversion is missed. USA 15 SA 6
154pm: Kosanke misses wide, 22m dropout to SA.
153pm: 2nd half starts, USA kicks off to USA. Early penalty to USA and Kosanke will attempt a PK
142pm: Halftime. USA leads SA 10-6
140pm: Feed down. Trying to get updates from the sideline.
129pm: #14 Vanesha McGee barrels her way through the line and scores. Conversion is good. USA 10 SA 6
128pm: Penalty was short, USA 22m drop. SA 6 USA 3
127pm: Another USA penalty, SA is attempting a long penalty from about 42 meters.
122pm: Kosanke slots the PK and USA is on the board. USA 3 SA 6
121pm: USA counter kicks and a big hit from Lynelle Kuglar! Penalty to USA and Kosanke will attempt PK.
119pm: An ill-advised pass in the USA counter attack results in a very close penalty. SA slots it and goes up by 6. USA 0 SA 6
116pm: SA slots the penalty kick and get on the board first. USA 0 SA 3
115pm: 3 quick penalties for USA and the ref has a chat with USA Captain Burke. SA will attempt a penalty kick.
113pm: USA on the run here, big runs by the backs and forwards are there quickly in support. Scrum to SA on their own 22m.
108pm: USA had about eleven phases in a row with forwards pounding it but then a hurry to get it to a wing, forward pass.
105pm: Lots of knock on so far, both teams are very aggressive at the breakdown.
1259pm: KO! USA kicks to SA. SA immediately returns the kick.
1251pm: The feed is up! Watch live here. If it goes down, stay here for updates!

USA Roster
1. Farrah Douglas
2. Lisa Butts
3. Jamie Burke (c)
4. Stacey Bridges
5. Laura Miller
6. Shaina Turley
7. Lynelle Kugler
8. Kate Daley
9. Kim Magrini
10. Sadie Anderson
11. Katie Dowty
12. Sam Pankey
13. Amy Daniels
14. Vanesha McGee
15. Pam Kosanke

Substitutes
16. Devin Keller
17. Sarah Chobot
18. Lauren Daly
19. Kitt Wagner
20. Carrie White
21. Rebecca Brafman
22. Kaelene Lundstrum

South Africa Roster

Not available

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: USA vs South Africa Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...

Repost from Scrumqueens:

South Africa have recorded a famous victory over the USA in a 26-23 thriller at the Nations Cup. South Africa trailed throughout the game but scored a late try to secure a victory that must be considered one of the biggest in their history. In the other group game England scored three second half tries to defeat Canada 22-10. The same teams meet again in this weekend’s finals.

South Africa 26 USA 23
Victories in their two competition appearances at the Nations Cup prior to this game had been hard to come by for the South Africans who had yet to beat any of the sides they faced here in their history. Two heavy defeats to England and the USA in the past week suggested that the USA, also winless at this tournament, would be too strong for Denvar Wannies’ side, but the spirited Sprinboks had other ideas.

The USA took an early 13-3 lead with a try for Vanessa McGee and points from the boot of fly-half Sadie Anderson but South Africa pulled the game back to a 13-13 draw at half-time (SA scorers not yet known). A hugely entertaining second half saw the US grab scores to push ahead only for South Africa to come right back at them with the US taking an 18-13 lead cut down by a South African penalty. A third USA try, which took the score to 23-16, was matched within five minutes by South Africa’s third, cutting the lead again to just two points with five minutes left. The game could have gone either way in those final minutes, reports suggest constant change of possession – but it was South Africa who broke through, scoring a fourth try in the final minute to win 26-23.

USA: 1. Sarah Chobot, 2. Lisa Butts, 3. Libby Berg, 4. Lauren Daly, 5. Shaina Turley, 6. Kitt Wagner, 7. Laura Miller, 8. Kate Daley (c), 9. Carrie White, 10. Sadie Anderson, 11. Kaelene Lundstrum, 12. Sylvia Braaten, 13. Rebecca Brafman, 14. Vanesha McGee, 15. Samantha Pankey

South Africa: 15 Yolanda Meiring 14 Gadu Phumeza 13 Ziyanda Tywalent 12 Daphne Scheepers 11 Lusanda Mtiya 10 Zandile Nojoko 9 Fundiswa Plaatjie 1 Nedene Botha 2 Pulane Motloung 3 Cebisa Kula 4 Dolly Mavumengwana 5 Nolusindiso Bodi 6 Nomathamsanqa, Faleni 7 Mandisa Williams (c) 8 Namhla Siyolo 16 Denita Wentzel 17 Laurian Johannes 18 Onicca Moaga 19 Nwabisa Nwabisa 20 Lamla Momoti 21 Janine Felix 22 Natasha Mofmeester

Read the play by play tweets from this match here. See all the tournament scores and rosters here.

England 22 Canada 10
England scored three tries in the second half and defeated Canada 22-10 in their final group game.

England finished the round-robin portion of the tournament undefeated at 3-0, while Canada fell to 2-1. The two teams will meet again in Saturday’s final.

Canada began strongly with 7s stars Jen Kish and Kelly Russell getting on the ball in the early phases but it was England’s young centre Emily Scarratt who got on the scoresheet first with a penalty. England came close to a try following a neat break from Alice Richardson but Canada’s defence rallied and then a break from Andrea Burk saw Cheryl Phillips touch down to see the home side take a 5-3 lead into the break.

England came out firing and their first try came to substitute Natasha Hunt who drove over in the corner after good work from Maggie Alphonsi and the tenacious flanker herself was on the score-sheet when a fantastic display of ball handing and movement saw her touch down and Scarratt converting.

Canada continued to put pressure on though and their work was rewarded with a score for Kayla Mack closing the gap to 15-10 but then Amy Garnett, coming off the bench to win her 99th cap for England, grabbed the winning score with a great solo effort.

“We made mistakes that we planned on not making,” said Canadian coach John Tait. “We were a little bit overwhelmed and we let it get to us, but we’re looking forward to Saturday because we can do better than that.”

Canada: Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid (Club de Rugby de Québec), Kim Donaldson (Burnaby Lake RFC),Corinne Jacobsen (Burnaby Lake RFC, Danielle Rowlands (Calgary Hornets, Maria Jaworski (Calgary Hornets), Kelsey Willoughby (Lethbridge RFC), Jen Kish (Lep Tigers), Kelly Russell (Captain) (Toronto Nomads), Laura Stoughton (Calgary Hornets), Ghislaine Landry (Toronto Scottish), Cheryl Phillips (Toronto Scottish), Mandy Marchak (Capilano), Andrea Burk (Capilano), Jessica Dovanne (Velox Valkyries), Julianne Zussman (Town of Mount Royal RFC)

England: Rochelle (Rocky) Clark (Richmond), Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), Laura Keates (Worchester), Tamara Taylor (Worchester), Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), Rebecca Essex (Richmond), Marly Packer, Sarah Hunter (Captain) (Lichfield), La Toya Mason (Wasps), Alice Richardson (Vice-Captain) (Richmond), Fran Matthews (Richmond), Sarah McKenna (Old Albanians), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Clare Allan (Richmond), Danielle Waterman (Worchester)

Read the play by play tweets from this match here. See all the tournament scores and rosters here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: England vs Canada for Nations Cup Title Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
2. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: Canada vs England Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
3. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: South Africa vs England Unfortunately this match will not be broadcast. The archive should...

True, we aren't broadcasting this match, but where else can you find the roster, match notes, schedule AND archive video in one place? Consider a donation! http://www.scrumhalfconnection.com/tv/

Rumors again that this match may not be live, but delayed…UPDATE 250pm: NO BROADCAST due to weather issues. Once the archived video is posted we will post it here. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates as well.

See the rosters, scores and schedule here.

8/9/11: Match Report.

506pm: Final whistle blows and USA is still winless at the 2011 Nations Cup. SA 26 USA 23

505pm: A series of back and forth possession ends with SA scoring in right corner. USA 23 SA 26

501pm: SA turns over USA lineout, big hit by #21 Amy Daniels but SA scores in the corner. Conversion was missed. USA 23 SA 21

456pm: USA #20 Magrini sneaks around the ruck and dishes to fresh legs #22 Dowty for the score. USA 23 SA 16

454pm: Time back on, USA sub #22 Katie Dowty on for #11 11 Kaelene Lundstrum

450pm: Time off for an injury. Sorry no details on injury. I’m not on site, just reporting from the distance.

445pm: Another penalty against USA and SA brings the score 3 points closer. USA 18 SA 16

444pm: Penalty against USA, SA will attempt points but misses and it goes out the back. USA 22m drop.

440pm: USA Burke is out after Chobot blood injury is under control. Still USA 18 SA 13

434pm: USA Subs: #21 Amy Daniels, #20 Kim Magrini & #19 Lynelle Kugler in for #9 Carrie White, #7 Laura Miller & #12 Sylvia Braaten.

431pm: USA #1 Sarah Chobot out for blood sub. #17 Jamie Burke in.

426pm: USA is showing a bit more composure in this half. Counterrucking and #11 Kaelene Lundstrum runs in the try. Anderson kick is no good. USA 18 SA 13

422pm: SA starts the second half off by kicking to USA. Ping pong kicking back and forth…

413pm: USA clearing kick doesn’t make touch and SA runs it back to score on left side. Kick no good. Score tied 13-13 at halftime.

408pm: USA #15 Pankey stops a SA attack as the last line of defense. SA scrum on USA 10m.

405pm: USA is having some problems with penalties so they are backed up in their own end.

402pm: South Africa #12 shows a dangerous streak, breaking through the line but the Eagles stay strong on defense and stop the try.

357pm: Quick feet by South Africa pushed the game into USA’s territory, South Africa’s #12 takes the second try of the game; USA 13 SA 8

352pm: Loose ball by SA is pounced on by #10 Anderson who dishes to #14 Vanesha McGee for the try. Conversion is good. USA 13 SA 3

348pm: SA player receives a yellow card (not sure of player #) and USA has a penalty near the line.

347pm: Back and forth play that leads to a SA knock on. Scrum to USA is good. Another penalty against SA and ref has a chat. #10 Anderson pushes PK wide.

341pm: Lots of kicking by both sides. Leads to SA pk. It’s good. 6-3 USA leads.

339pm: Another penalty attempt by USA #10 Anderson and it is good. USA 6 SA 0

335pm: An early penalty against SA and #10 Anderson for USA slots the penalty kick. USA 3 SA 0

331pm: USA vs South Africa has just kicked off!

315pm: NO broadcast due to weather.

USA Roster
1. Sarah Chobot
2. Lisa Butts
3. Libby Berg
4. Lauren Daly
5. Shaina Turley
6. Kitt Wagner
7. Laura Miller
8. Kate Daley (c)
9. Carrie White
10. Sadie Anderson
11. Kaelene Lundstrum
12. Sylvia Braaten
13. Rebecca Brafman
14. Vanesha McGee
15. Samantha Pankey

Reserves
16. Devin Keller
17. Jamie Burke
18. Stacy Baker
19. Lynelle Kugler
20. Kim Magrini
21. Amy Daniels
22. Katie Dowty

South Africa: 15 Yolanda Meiring 14 Gadu Phumeza 13 Ziyanda Tywalent 12 Daphne Scheepers 11 Lusanda Mtiya 10 Zandile Nojoko 9 Fundiswa Plaatjie 1 Nedene Botha 2 Pulane Motloung 3 Cebisa Kula 4 Dolly Mavumengwana 5 Nolusindiso Bodi 6 Nomathamsanqa, Faleni 7 Mandisa Williams (c) 8 Namhla Siyolo 16 Denita Wentzel 17 Laurian Johannes 18 Onicca Moaga 19 Nwabisa Nwabisa 20 Lamla Momoti 21 Janine Felix 22 Natasha Mofmeester

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: USA vs South Africa for 3rd/4th Finish Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
2. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: South Africa vs England Unfortunately this match will not be broadcast. The archive should...

True, we aren't broadcasting this match, but where else can you find the roster, match notes, schedule AND archive video in one place? Consider a donation! http://www.scrumhalfconnection.com/tv/

Rumors again that this match may not be live, but delayed…UPDATE 250pm: NO BROADCAST due to weather issues. Once the archived video is posted we will post it here. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates as well.

See the rosters, scores and schedule here.

8/9/11: Match Report.

7:02pm: #NationsCup #Rugby: Referee blows the final whistle and England holds on to go 3-0 before the final. England 22 Canada 10.
7:00pm: With just a few minutes remaining England’s #16 Amy Garnett puts one more on the board. #13 Emily Scarratt makes the conversion. England 22 Canada 10.
6:52pm: A close fight between both sides leaves the crowd begging for a score. Canada closes the gap with a try by #21 Kayla Mack. Conversion is no good. England 15 Canada 10.
6:32pm: England quick to put another on the score board. Using their strong back line, the ball is placed in #19 Maggie Alphonsi’s hands who is awarded the try. Conversion is good bringing the score to England 15 Canada 5.
6:27pm: England scores first in the half as #20 Natasha Hunt fights her way to the try zone and touches it down in the corner. Conversion is no good. England now leads 8-5.
6:20pm: 2nd half begins with England kicking off. Looks to be another close match for England. Lets see if Canada can hold on and give England a loss going into the final.
6:12pm: Canada holds on to the lead going into halftime 5-3.
6:01pm: Canada #13 Andrea Burk breaks thru the England defense and off loads to #11 Cheryl Phillips who is able to touch it down for the try. The conversion is missed wide. Canada 5 England 3
5:58pm: England penalty gives Canada the chance to even the score, but the PK is missed wide. England 3 Canada 0.
5:52pm: Canada showing great defense in their red zone. Scrum to Canada
5:43pm: England takes control early by taking advantage of a Canada penalty. #13 Emily Scarratt slots the PK and England is on the board first 3-0.
5:30pm: Canada kicks off to England to start the second match of the night.
255pm: NO BROADCAST due to weather. Archived video will be posted once available.

England Roster
15 Danielle Waterman (Worcester)
14Fran Matthews (Richmond)
13 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
12 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanians Saints)
11Claire Allan (Richmond)
10 Alice Richardson (Richmond) VC
9 La Toya Mason (Wasps)
1RochelleClark (Worcester)
2 VickyFleetwood (Lichfield)
3 Laura Keates (Worcester)
4 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
5 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
6 BeckyEssex (Richmond)
7 Marlie Packer (Bristol)
8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield) (C)

Replacements:
16 Amy Garnett (Saracens)
17Claire Purdy (Wasps)
18 Jenny Brightmore (Worcester)
19 Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens)
20 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
21KatyMcLean(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
22 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

Canada Roster
1. Marie-Pier  Pinault-Reid  (Club de Rugby de Québec)
2. Kim Donaldson  (Burnaby Lake RFC)
3. Corinne Jacobsen  (Burnaby Lake  RFC)
4. Danielle Rowlands  (Calgary Hornets)
5. Maria Jaworski  (Calgary Hornets)
6. Kelsey Willoughby  (Lethbridge RFC)
7. Jen Kish ( Lep Tigers)
8. Kelly Russell  (Capt) (Toronto Nomads)
9. Laura Stoughton  (Calgary Hornets)
10. Ghislaine Landry  (Toronto Scottish)
11. Cheryl Phillips  (Toronto Scottish)
12. Mandy Marchak  (Capilano)
13. Andrea Burk  (Capilano)
14. Jessica Dovanne  (Velox Valkyries)
15. Julianne Zussman  (Town of Mount Royal RFC)
——–
16. Brandi van Eeuwen  (Lethbridge RFC)
17 Ashley MacDonald  (Lethbridge RFC)
18. Laura Russell  (Toronto Nomads)
19. Megan Gibbs  (Markham Irish)
20. Julia Sugawara  (Burnaby Lake  RFC)
21. Kayla Mack  (Wild Oats)
22. Arielle Dubissette-Borrice  (Toronto Scottish)

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: England vs Canada for Nations Cup Title Rumors again that this match may not be live, but...
2. Nations Cup: LIVE BLOG: South Africa vs England Unfortunately this match will not be broadcast. The archive should...
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