Tuttosi treble helps Canada to victory

By Mark Stevens
9/10/22

It was a Rugby World Cup debut to remember for Exeter Chiefs hooker Emily Tuttosi as she stole the headlines in her side’s 41-5 victory over Japan in Whangarei.

Tuttosi helped herself to a hat-trick of tries to give her country a dream start to the tournament down in New Zealand.

The Manitoba native - who lined-up alongside club-mates DeLeaka Menin and Gabby Senft in the Canadian side - was impressive throughout and claimed two of her three scores by powering over from rolling mauls.

She completed her hat-trick just a minute before she was replaced in the 50th minute, crashing over from close range following a quick tap from No.8 and captain Sophie de Goede.

Third-ranked Canada were expected to be too strong for Japan, ranked 13th in the world, and that’s how it played out in Northland.

The Canadians aren’t short of confidence, entering the World Cup on a four-game winning streak, and having won five from six in 2022.

They set up the win in the first half, racing to a 27-5 lead – sparked by dominant play from their forwards, who were lethal with the rolling maul.

Canada couldn’t have asked for a better beginning, scoring the opening try after just 67 seconds through an excellent kick chase. Wing Komachi Imakugi’s kick was charged down and Canada flyer Paige Farries dived on the loose ball for a perfect start.

Japan hit straight back after 11 phases build-up with lock Maki Takano crashing over from close range.

That was as good as it got for Japan with Canada scoring four unanswered tries to head into half-time in control at 27-5.

Tuttosi was a force off the back of the rolling maul in the first half, with her two first half tries coming about from drives off the line-out.

To their credit, Japan were able to repel Canada for most of the second half after Tuttosi’s hat-trick try.

Canada added just one further try to second half replacement Mikiela Nelson – giving Japan a positive to take into the next game.