Canada proved why they are ranked third in the world, as they won Scotland with a brutal score of 64-26 WXV Global Series opening night at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.
Two first-half tries from Lizzie Gibson, along with goals from Liv Apps, Kiki Idowu and Julia Omokhuale, set Kevin Rouet’s side up well, but Scotland stayed in contention with two strong tries of their own and plenty of fight.
Discipline from Brittany Kassil and Gabrielle Senft saw Canada down to 13 players on time in the second half, but a strong first-half push from the Canadians as well as tries from Taylor Perry, Olivia Apps, Justine Pelletier, Gabrielle Senft and debutant Savannah Bauder meant they managed more than enough to secure the convention in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s efforts cannot be overlooked, with some great respect, plenty of ambition and two more second half goals from Lana Skeldon and Rhone Lloyd.
However, here’s how Canada ranked against Scotland…
15 Claire Gallagher – 6.5
The full-back put in a reliable and strong performance, with decent success out of the match and converted seven of Canada’s 10 attempts. Her timely tap to Charity Williams’ pass set up a try, although it ended up being ruled out for a kick a few stages early. Overall a solid shift.
14 Fancy Bermudez – 7
Bermudez was quite powerful and appeared in many areas. The 24-year-old’s big carry got Canada right to the line, with Helen Nelson and Shona Campbell scrambling to bring her down. The position she gained was crucial in Julia Omokhuala’s try. She was consistently strong with the ball in hand and looked promising for an exciting WXV Global Series campaign.
13 Florence Symonds – 6
It was a fairly quiet outing for Florence Symonds, with her late move giving Scotland the lead. However, she made some good moves and was a solid contributor overall.
12 Alexandra Tessier – 6.5
Not the flashiest performance for captain Alexandru Tessier, but an important one nonetheless. The experienced center kept Canada composed, led the game well and helped keep the ball. A lot of work that is not always visible in the minutes was done by her.
11 Charity Williams – 6
A day to remember for two-time Olympic medalist and HSBC SVNS series star Charity Williams, after a long and decorated career in Canada’s women’s sevens, as she made her 15s debut.
She made good use of her opportunity to score, although she was eventually denied for an earlier strike. However, the winger looked comfortable and hard going, which is exciting going into the WXV Global Series campaign.
10 Taylor Perry – 7
A strong result overall for Oakville Crusaders’ Taylor Perry, with her getting on the scoreboard for a phenomenal try. She knocked on the ball early in the game in the backfield which gave Scotland a good attacking opportunity, but she more than made up for it with her runs. Early in the second half, a gap opened up in the Scottish defense and the 26-year-old slotted through from the spot under the posts. Fantastic work.
9 Olivia Apps – 9
Well, what a game for Olivia Apps, who added the Women’s Rugby Premiership title to her list of end-of-season accolades. The man of the match set the tone from the outset – keeping the ball alive, playing a high-tempo game, seeing space around breakdowns and going over for two tries, while the third was disallowed.
She did find herself in trouble though, with Rachel Malcolm, Evie Gallagher and Rhea Clarke doing some outstanding defensive work which led to Gallagher breaking free and Shona Campbell finishing the effort with a fine try. However, the impact Apps made in the 50 minutes she spent on the court was remarkable. Much deserved man of the match.
1 Brittany Kassil – 5
Despite getting on the scoresheet by landing the Canadian bonus point from close range, it wasn’t the strongest outing from the prop. She was pinged several times for scrum penalties for dropping her link, and her direct contact with Scotland’s Meryl Smith resulted in a yellow card that was upgraded to a 20-minute red. A disappointing afternoon for the front rower.
2 Kiki Idow – 7
Kiki Idowu had a strong and clinical game. She had a great early break and made some monstrous carries. Her brilliant release found Rachel Smith on her shoulder, putting Canada in a good attacking position and Lizzie Gibson eventually finished it off. She repeatedly put Scotland under pressure with her lines, but a spilled ball which led to Charity William’s effort being denied by the TMO detracted from the performance. All in all, a great trip.
3 Deleaka Menin – 6
Solid movement with the help of a solid head. She did well to bring down Canada close to the try line and contributed to the progress which gave the backs strong attacking opportunities.
4 Rachel Smith – 6
Smith showed impressive work rate and some excellent running lines. She was effective in the forward exchanges and promises to be an exciting talent for Canada in the future.
5 Laetitia Royer – 6
Brava popped around the pitch, stuck in the rucks and was busy around the park. Despite not being an outstanding actress, she gave valuable money to get the hard work done and done well.
6 Julia Omokhuale – 7
Well, Omokhuale has had a tremendous season so far, with an impressive 2025/26 season in the Rugby Champions Women’s Premiership Saracens and much excitement is growing about her talent. Bok was unstoppable against Scotland and set up Canada’s fifth score from one metre. A strong performance from a player who continues to make a serious impression.
7 Lizzie Gibson – 8
Arguably the standout player of the first half, with two tries scored early on. After a quick tap from Apps, Gibson saw space and accelerated under the post from close range. She didn’t waste a second and broke through several Scottish defenders in the 17th minute. She made her presence felt in many tackles and breakdowns and produced an outstanding shift to secure an impressive win for Canada.
8 Gabrielle Senft – 5
It wasn’t Gabrielle Senft’s usual powerful performance. Despite making some good moves, a fantastic line break early on and being activated for a try in the final 10 minutes, the number eight was responsible for the obstruction that denied Apps a try and was shown a yellow card for an offside tackle, making for a generally frustrating afternoon.
Substitutions – 7
The game was already more or less won by the time the Canadian substitutes took the field, but when you have 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year in Season 15 and recent Women’s Rugby Premiership champion Sophie de Goede and experienced scrum-half Justine Pelletier coming on, they will still make an impact.
Pelletier came on around the 50 minute mark and immediately added to the game, as she spotted space in the Scotland defense and made a sneaky pick and went to blast Canada to 50+ points.
Savannah Bauder, who made her debut for Canada in the 2024 SVNS Series, finally made her international debut in the 15s game and what a way to do it. Showing ridiculous pace, Bauder danced around the Scottish defense to score, showing exactly why she’s been hyped.
Emily Tuttosi, Brooke Rempel, Sophie de Goede, Pamphinette Buisa, Asia Hogan-Rochester and debutant Sophie McDonald also made some strong carries and showed their physicality, adding well to Canada’s momentum to finish the game.
