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Canada relish pressure ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Australia / Photo: © AFP/File
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Canada relish pressure ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Australia
Canada captain Alex Tessier said "pressure is a privilege" ahead of her team's Women's Rugby Cup quarter-final against underdogs Australia.
When the two teams last met, during the Pacific Four series in Brisbane in May, Canada, ranked second in the world, won 45-7 and they have yet to lose to Australia.
"I think we've put ourselves in a good position, but also in a position of pressure," said Tessier.
"Nonetheless, I think they (Australia) are a good opposition. Pressure is a privilege and we're looking forward to a good battle on Saturday."
Canada go into the knockout phase after a 40-19 win over fellow quarter-finalists Scotland, with coach Kevin Rouet making three personnel changes and one positional switch.
Caroline Crossley comes in at blindside flanker, with Fabiola Forteza moving to No. 8 and Gabrielle Senft dropping to the bench.
Alysha Corrigan returns on the right wing in place of Paige Farries. Courtney O'Donnell starts at second row, with Tyson Beukeboom on the bench.
"We don't make a lot of changes, but sometimes it's good to have a bench as strong as your starting team, and that's what we have in this squad," Rouet said on Thursday.
Canada have tried to prepare for all eventualities, including a wet-weather game.
"On Wednesday, we practised in heavy rain," said Rouet. "I think we have one of the best kick chases, so we can adapt ourselves if we need to. I hope it's sunny because we want it to be a fun game for people to watch."
Australia suffered a 47-7 hammering by tournament favourites England in their final pool match, but by then they had already reached the knockout phase.
"We appreciate it was a loss against England last week but we had an aim to make the quarters to give ourselves a shot and the players have achieved that," said Wallaroos coach Joanne Yapp, a former England captain.
"We started well against England with our game management and need to show that for longer periods of the game this week."
Ashley Fernandez (lock) and Katalina Amosa (hooker) are the only two changes to the matchday 23 that featured against England, with centre Cecilia Smith and flanker Emily Chancellor promoted to the starting 15.
A.Byun--SG
