Prop Olivia DeMerchant is rewarded with a start for Canada

Prop Olivia DeMerchant is rewarded for her try-scoring performance off the bench last weekend with a start in their RWC 2021 quarter-final rematch with USA in Auckland on 30 October.

Canada coach Kevin Rouet has named his team for the Rugby World Cup 2021 quarter-final against USA at Waitakere Stadium on 30 October.

1. Olivia DeMerchant
2. Emily Tuttosi
3. DaLeaka Menin
4. Courtney Holtkamp
5. McKinley Hunt
6. Fabiola Forteza
7. Karen Paquin
8. Sophie de Goede (captain)
9. Justine Pelletier
10. Alex Tessier
11. Paige Farries
12. Sara Kaljuvee
13. Alysha Corrigan
14. Maddy Grant
15. Elissa Alarie

16. Gillian Boag
17. Brittany Kassil
18. Alexandria Ellis
19. Ngalula Fuamba
20. Tyson Beukeboom
21. Gabrielle Senft
22. Pamphinette Buisa
23. Anais Holly

• Canada coach Kevin Rouet has made two personnel and one positional change to his starting line-up from the 29-14 victory over USA last weekend
• Olivia DeMerchant returns at loose-head after scoring a try off the bench against the Women's Eagles last weekend, with Brittany Kassil dropping to the bench
• The other changes come in the back row with Fabiola Forteza coming onto the blindside, necessitating a move across to openside for Karen Paquin
• Fellow replacement Tyson Beukeboom is set for her 54th test appearance off the bench, one that will see her move clear of sisters Kelly and Laura Russell to become Canada’s third most-capped player in her own right
• Prop Alexandria Ellis meanwhile returns to the bench as front-row cover, while Pamphinette Buisa is in line for her Rugby World Cup as a replacement
• This is their third meeting of the year with USA, Canada having also triumphed 36-5 in the World Rugby Pacific Four Series in Tauranga in June. This match was Kevin Rouet’s first as Canada head coach and Sophie de Goede’s first test as captain
• Canada have won their last six meetings with neighbours USA since a 20-18 loss in July 2019 – their longest winning run against the Women’s Eagles
• The Pool B victory was their first over USA at a Rugby World Cup, having lost their 1998 semi-final 46-6 in Amsterdam and fifth-place play-off 23-20 in Guildford in 2010
• Canada are bidding to reach the semi-finals for the fifth time, having missed out in 2017
• Canada have won their last seven tests, their longest ever winning run in history. Their only defeat in 2022 came at the hands of New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series
• Canada have added sevens star Olivia Apps to their RWC 2021 squad as an injury replacement for scrum-half Brianna Miller. She is uncapped in 15s and will be in line for her test debut if Canada reach the semi-finals