Canada will seek to “burst” England’s aura of invincibility in the Rugby World Cup final, says their most-capped player, Tyson Beukeboom.
Canada will stick with the same starting XV that has seen them through the knockout stages and Beukeboom says her team have the means to upset an England side who are unbeaten in their last 32 games.
“The Roses, because they are a highly structured team, it’s easy to play against them, hard to beat them,” she said. “We know how to play against them, we just have to do it. It is whoever can put down that performance on Saturday. Our goal is to be that team. They are an incredibly difficult team to play against, they have an aura about them that has been almost untouched in the last 10 years. Our goal is to burst it.”
Alex Tessier echoed the Maple Leafs’ belief that they can spoil England’s home party at a sold-out Twickenham on Saturday. “We will give everything we have got because we believe we can go all of the way,” the captain said. “It’s not done yet but that is the goal, it’s been the goal. I think we have shown what this group is about already, in our performances throughout the pool games, quarters and the semi-final. It will be important for every one of us.
“It has been huge already. We have taken a massive step forward in terms of Canadian rugby, just reaching the final again. We will play for each other and we will give everything for each other on Saturday.”
Canada have been well supported throughout the tournament, with the country music star Shania Twain commenting on their social media posts. The full-back Julia Schell is a huge Twain fan“She responded again post-game, just as much excitement the second time around. We haven’t had any more contact than that but I did think it would be cool if she maybe showed up and sang the anthem.”
England are also unchanged from their semi-final against France. The game on Saturday is a repeat of the 2014 final, which England won 21-9. That was the last time the Red Roses won the World Cup while Canada have never lifted the trophy.
