Canada are quietly going about their business as the dark horses of this Rugby World Cup with eyes firmly on the hosts, England, and the defending champions, New Zealand. The team may benefit from flying under the radar with less pressure on their shoulders but it does not make them any less a contender for the trophy. The clinical nature of their opener against Fiji announced their arrival in England in style, particularly through the full-back Julia Schell who was spectacular in the second half as she scored six tries in 21 minutes.
Schell’s performance may have inspired girls to pick up a rugby ball but she is used to trying to make change. She grew up playing ice hockey and petitioned at elementary school for women to be able to do open-ice hitting as it was banned. “My petition said ‘girls should be able to hit’ but it was fitting how I ended up in rugby where it is the same for men and women,” Schell said post-match. “To score six tries feels good. I was joking with the fans, one said just before the first one ‘200 bucks for a try’ so I have to find him!”
