Julia Schell scores six tries as Canada thrash Fiji in Women's Rugby World Cup

"The team may benefit from flying under the radar with less pressure on their shoulders but it does not make them any less a contender for the trophy. The clinical nature of their opener against Fiji announced their arrival in England in style, particularly through the full-back Julia Schell who was spectacular in the second half as she scored six tries in 21 minutes. Schell's performance may have inspired girls to pick up a rugby ball but she is used to trying to make change."

"She grew up playing ice hockey and petitioned at elementary school for women to be able to do open-ice hitting as it was banned. My petition said 'girls should be able to hit' but it was fitting how I ended up in rugby where it is the same for men and women, Schell said post-match. To score six tries feels good. I was joking with the fans, one said just before the first one 200 bucks for a try' so I have to find him!"

"The fact Canada are being overlooked by many does not correlate to recent results with wins against Australia and the USA and a draw against the Black Ferns at Pacific Four. They are also ranked as the No 2 side in the world so the 11-try result was not surprising in the hugely physical battle between the two nations which also saw replacement Fiji prop Bulou Vasuturaga shown a red card for a high tackle after a bunker review."

Canada entered the Rugby World Cup as underrated contenders, delivering a commanding opener against Fiji that featured 11 tries. Full-back Julia Schell dominated the second half, scoring six tries in 21 minutes and energizing spectators. Schell previously played ice hockey and petitioned at elementary school to allow open-ice hitting for girls, reflecting her background in pushing for equality in contact sport. Canada hold recent wins over Australia and the USA and earned a draw with New Zealand's Black Ferns at Pacific Four, and are ranked No 2 globally. Fiji received a red card for a high tackle after a bunker review; Canada also endured a yellow card for a high tackle.

Read at www.theguardian.com