Canada to face New Zealand in first-round showdown at Women’s Rugby World Cup
Jan 8, 2017 | 4:15 PM
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Canada will open its Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign against Asia qualifier Hong Kong and wrap up pool play against top-ranked New Zealand.
Canadian coach Francois Ratier already knew that his third-ranked Canadians were in Pool A with New Zealand, No. 23 Hong Kong and No. 10 Wales but was awaiting word from World Rugby on the first-round schedule of the 12 team tournament that runs Aug. 9-26 in Ireland.
Ratier will have few complaints with the schedule, given it allows his team time to ramp up in competition.
Only the three group winners and the best second-place finisher advance to the semifinals, meaning Canada’s Aug. 17 showdown with the Black Ferns will likely determine the group winner.
