Strange Scenes as Test Match Takes Place Before Empty Stands: Australia Overpowered by Canada’s Striking Force

Australia faced a tough challenge against the formidable Canadian forwards in their Pacific Four Series opener, played in front of an empty stadium.

Kickoff in Sacramento was postponed to 8.14pm local time due to lightning, which forced a delay from the scheduled start at 7pm.

While officials deemed it safe for players to enter the field, no fans were permitted to attend the match at Heart Health Park.

Despite a valiant effort from the scrappy Wallaroos side, World No. 2 Canada secured a 24-0 victory, exerting considerable pressure in the challenging wet conditions.

This result marked an improvement over the 46-5 defeat Australia faced at the hands of Canada during last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Tries for Canada came from Julia Omokhuale, Pamphinette Buisa, Asia Hogan-Rochester, and Kiki Idowu, all supported by a dominant scrum performance.

The Wallaroos concluded the match down to just 13 players after hooker Brittany Merlo and centre Cecilia Smith both received yellow cards.

This tournament acts as a testing ground for interim Wallaroos coach Sam Needs, with Rugby Australia planning to make a decision on a permanent coach following the conclusion of the series later this month.

“That match was nearly unplayable,” remarked Australia captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona.

“The ongoing delays, the rain, the cold, and the pitch conditions – all these factors were out of our control. Nevertheless, there are positives to take away from this match.

“While we didn’t score, we put a lot of pressure on the opposition, and that’s something we can manage moving forward…

“It’s about continually improving and becoming better than the last version of ourselves. Comparing this to the score from last quarter-finals in the World Cup, there’s been a massive change.”

Looking ahead, Australia will face the United States in Kansas City on Saturday (AEST).

The Wallaroos are currently ranked seventh in the world, while the United States sits in eighth.

Earlier on Sunday (AEST), New Zealand dominated the United States, winning 48-15.

Winger Mererangi Paul starred with a hat-trick, while fullback Renee Holmes added a double for New Zealand, who dealt with a red card for prop Tanya Kalounivale in the second half.