Pacific Four Series 2024 Preview
Canada look set to continue their form, following the inaugural WXV 1 tournament last year.
After hosting the majority of games for the 2023 tournament, Canada women’s XV now find themselves on the Away side for the 2024 tournament.
The cross-continetal tournament, featuring the best teams outside of the Women’s Six Nations, will see the Canadians hosted by Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, with the Southern neighbours starting the hosting duties on April 28th, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. While talk about qualification for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be the main story for the global press, Canada (as well as New Zealand,) have already achieved that position, having made the semi-finals of the 2021 WRWC. For the Maple Leaves, the focus will be on qualifying for WXV 1 - especially considering that Canada will be hosting the tournament in BC this Autumn!
USA vs Canada - April 28 - KO, 16:30 EST
The Eagles have not beaten Canada in the Pacific Four Series, and haven’t recorded a victory over their nearest rivals since July 2019. In 2023, Canada delivered a dominant 50-17 victory in Spain, as the USA were whitewashed in the tournament. However, they did put up a resounding display against the Black Ferns in their final game, before getting a win over Samoa, as well as losses to Scotland and Italy in WXV 2.
This game shouldn’t be too hard for Canada, although the focus may be on try bonus points, and points difference.
Australia vs Canada - May 11 - KO, 2:55 EST
The Matildas are currently 5th in the World Rankings, and the closest team to Canada in terms of ranking position. That said, the history of games between Canada and Australia does not appear to show issue for the Maple Leaves. While USA have been able to get victories at some point, Australia has yet to secure a victory over Canada in any format. With qualification for the 2025 Women’s RWC on the line, Australia will be looking to secure their spot, and competing against the USA to get that elusive spot.
With history on their side, this should be a victory for Canada, but they cannot afford to let their guard down.
New Zealand vs Canada - May 19 - KO, 0:35 EST
Of course, Canada’s final match of the Pacific Four Series is against the reigning world champions. Unlike the other 2 opponents, New Zealand have proven a mighty challenge. To date, Canada have been unable to secure a victory over the Silver Ferns. In fact, the last time this fixture was held in New Zealnd, Canada was nilled! The closest Canada have ever come was a 16-8 loss in Tauranga in 2014 - a decade ago.
This should be the game that decides who wins the 2024 Series, but history shows that this match looks to go the way of the Ferns.
With the 30-woman touring squad announced, Sophie de Goede is set to continue as captain. The big story is that Tyson Beukeboom is set to become Canada’s most-capped women’s player, if she plays in all 3 of Canada’s games. Considering her monumental abilities, this looks set to pass.
You can watch all 3 games of the 2024 Pacific 4 Series on TSN, with highlights on Rugby Pass TV.