Day Two: Pool C Roundup

France 17 Scotland 7

France were slightly underwhelming in victory though credit to Scotland who put up a brave second half fight in this game.

In the first half Scotland failed to implement a game plan to contend with the wind conditions and an inability to clear their lines led to two early French tries; the first from Elodie Poublan and the second from Marie Charlotte Hebel.

Whilst Scotland reacted with a more positive phase of play, they were too easily frustrated by an inability to break the line; kicking the ball away needlessly rather than being content with possession and waiting for opportunities to arise.

France managed another try before the break, this time from Sandrine Agricole and converted by Auriele Bailon.

Scotland opened the scoring after half time when Erin Kerr passed to Lucy Millard with acres of space in front of her, something you cant afford to offer a player of her pace. She rounded the French fullback to score a try which was converted by Nicola Halfpenny.

Scotland will once again be disappointed by their performance in the first 40 minutes. They came out a different side in the second half, challenging the French line on a number of occasions, but had left it too late.

This was an improved French side that looked far more competitive than in the Sweden match, but they will be looking to improve further before they face Canada on Day 3.

Canada 40 Sweden 10

Canada made it two wins in a row with this victory over Sweden, who had battled so bravely in defeat to France on the opening day. Canada have impressed at this World Cup with their finishing and athleticism around the park and they started very well in this match with backrow Kelly Russell continuing her fine form with a few early runs.

In the end it was Mandy Marchak who opened the scoring with a neat try converted by Anna Schnell. Sweden skipper Ulrika Andersson-Hall missed a penalty attempt soon after and Canada showed why they are dark horses in this competition with two well taken tries from Ashley Patzer and Heather Moyse with Schnell converting both. Sweden stayed in the match with a penalty from Hall to push it to 21-3 but Canada took a deserved lead into the break with anothe score from Charlotta Westin-Vines.

Sweden defended very well in the second half with Canada making a raft of changes thorughout the 40. With victory wrapped up, a few more scores came in a less intense second period. Patzer scored early to take the lead out to 33-10 and then late in the game Heather Moyse took a great pass from Marchak to touch down.

The victory of course means that Canada have 10 points at the top of their pool after two bonus point victories.

For match details seeHERE