The Canadian womenB次元官网网址檚 rugby 15B次元官网网址檚 team came out on top against the U.S. in their first game in over two years, winning 15-9 on Monday in the opener of the World Rugby Pacific Four Series.

It was a tight contest in Denver, with Canada just able to hold on in the final minutes, the ball being turned over twice in the final minute before Canada was able to punt the ball off the field and secure the win.

Canada opened the scoring with a well-worked try, with winger Renee Gonzalez B次元官网网址� who plays for Westshore RFC and the University of Victoria and was making her debut, finished strongly in the right corner at 18 minutes, making the score 5-0 to Canada.

The U.S. kicked a penalty to make it 5-3, but Canada scored another try five minutes before the half, Karen Paquin finishing after concerted pressure by Canada. With the conversion, the score was 12-3 at the break.

Pure class spots the space and storms over for

B次元官网网址� World Rugby (@WorldRugby)

In the second half the teams traded penalties, with the U.S. cutting CanadaB次元官网网址檚 lead to 12-9 before Victoria native Sophie de Goede kicked a penalty to make the score 15-9. The Canadians came under pressure from the U.S. for long periods of the half, but defended well to preserve the win.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really great to be on the field again together,B次元官网网址� Canadian captain Olivia DeMerchant said in a Rugby Canada release. B次元官网网址淚 think we started strong, we finished strong, the subs came on and they really lit up the field and held their own, so itB次元官网网址檚 really great to see.B次元官网网址�

The team plays the U.S. again on Friday in Glendale.

READ MORE: Canadian womenB次元官网网址檚 rugby 15s team returns to action after two-year layoff

bailey.moreton@goldstreamgazette.com
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