Chiefs trio to start for Canada

By Harry Scott-Munro
1/11/21

It will be an all Exeter Chiefs front-row that lines-up for Canada against North American rivals USA today in their Autumn International at Infinity Park.

Forwards Olivia De Merchant, Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin will go head-to-head against club-matesKate Zackary, Rachel Johnson and Gabby Cantorna, who all start for the Eagles.

The Canadians are set to play the USA twice, before heading over to Europe to take on Wales and England, as there preparations for the Rugby Wold Cup in New Zealand start to ramp up for the world's third-ranked side.

Hooker Tuttosi has been an integral part of Susie Appleby's Exeter Chiefs side, appearing in every match so far, whilst De Merchant has also been a crucial cog as part of a dynamic and abrasive pack.

Fellow prop Menin arrived from Loughborough Lightning over the summer and has immediately impressed for the Chiefs, scoring tries against Sale Sharks and Wasps so far this season. She is set to win her 30th cap for her country.

There are five players based in the Allianz Premier 15s named in the match-day 23 with Saracens flanker Janna Slevinsky and Worcester Warriors back Paige Farries also named in the side.

Head Coach Fiorino has also included three debutants in her squad with wing Renee Gonzalez set to be joined by Canada Sevens team-mate Nakisa Levale and fellow back Sarah-Maude Lachance in making their international debuts, should they appear off the bench.

The match is being livestreamed on the World Rugby YouTube channel, for those wishing to get behind the six Exeter Chiefs players in action for both counties.

Canada Team vs USA

15. Emily Belchos
14. Renee Gonzalez
13. Paige Farries
12. Sara Kaljuvee
11. Sabrina Poulin
10. Alex Tessier
9. Brianna Miller
1. Olivia De Merchant
2. Emily Tuttosi
3. DaLeaka Menin
4. Courtney Holtkamp
5. Emma Taylor
6. Janna Slevinsky
7. Karen Paquin
8. Gabby Senft

16. Gillian Boag
17. Brittany Kassil
18. Alex Ellis
19. Tyson Beukeboom
20. Sophie de Goede
21. Justine Pelletier
22. Nakisa Levale
23. Sarah-Maude Lachance