Julia Schell scored six tries Saturday as Canada hammered Fiji 65-7 for an emphatic opening win at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in York, England.
Schell scored all of her six tries in a row in 22 minutes in the second half.
The output tied for the second most tries in a World Cup match, with the six by Krista McFarren of the U.S. against Sweden in 1994. The record was eight by Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand against Hong Kong in 2017.
Canada’s previous record was five in a match, most recently in 2017.
Schell’s half-dozen came in a match thoroughly dominated by Canada, which is ranked No. 2, unbeaten in eight tests this year, and on a mission to win its first World Cup.
In short time, Canada had a fourth bonus-point try.
Lock Sophie de Goede, just back from an ACL tear, and hooker Gillian Boag scored the first two, and while flyhalf Taylor Perry was in the sin-bin for head contact, flanker Caroline Crossley touched down and set up wing Alysha Corrigan for their fourth try in the 29th minute.
Fiji, down 24-0 at halftime, started the second half with a crowd-pleasing try from its own 22. All-action midfielder Josifini Neihamu swept upfield, captain Alfreda Fisher supported, and replacement back Kolora Lomani dotted down.
But the rest of the half was Canada’s, notably Schell.
Fiji replacement prop Bulou Vasutaraga became the second woman to receive a red card in the tournament when her yellow card for a dangerous high tackle in the 69th was upgraded to a 20-minute red.
