Hogan in high belief ahead of Ireland's meeting with Canada

Extra.ie​

4 days ago

Scott Bemand has one opportunity left to look at players today ahead of choosing his final Rugby World Cup squad on Monday as Ireland host Canada at the newly named Affidea Stadium in Belfast.
Ireland come into this game off the back of a hard fought 27-21 win over Scotland in Cork. It took a while for them to get going and they fell 14-0 behind early on but once they got into it, Ireland played very well and got some form of revenge for their heartbreaking defeats against the Scots in the Six Nations.
There's more revenge to be had this week as Ireland as well as looking to keep up the momentum heading into the World Cup, are looking to avenge their 21-8 defeat to the Canadians they have in the WXV tournament last year. Ireland celebrate a try by Eimear Considine during the Women's WXV1 Pool match against Canada. Pic: Joe Walsh/Sportsfile
It was a manic first half that cost Ireland that day in British Columbia, as yellow cards for both props Niamh O'Dowd and Linda Djougang cost Ireland dearly. All of Canada's 21 points came in that period when Ireland were down either one or two players, and when Ireland returned to a full 15, they got a great score through Eimear Considine.
Speaking ahead of the clash this weekend, Number Brittany Hogan spoke about how the group felt following that loss. Brittany Hogan. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
'We were very frustrated after that game and I suppose that goes to show the growth of the group as well, like being really frustrated about losing, not pretty narrowly, but it was quite a tight score as well.
'They only scored whenever we were down to 13 players and it was a very frustrating end to the game. We felt like we left a lot of scores and a lot of things out there. So we're hoping to show what exactly we can do against them this weekend and we're all just really excited.'
Canada were the favourites heading into that match with their much superior World Ranking but Ireland held their own, especially when it was 15v15. One of the yellow card recipients that day Niamh O'Dowd spoke about the need to stay on top of their discipline and what the Canadians will have to offer. Niamh O'Dowd. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
'Well Obviously we'll have to sort out the yellow cards like we can't have both of our props going off. But yeah, like we know what to expect and like we've played against them quite recently so we know they are a physical pack. They're all very fit, they have a lot of big units, a good set piece.'
When asked to describe her lasting memory of the game last year O'Dowd only had one word for it.
'Definitely their physicality, in attack or defence they hit very hard. Niamh O'Dowd. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
'So their physicality is what I remember from the game. Like, the scrums were tough. Obviously the mail was a huge weapon for them and they have threats all over the park. They can get the ball wide, but they can also attack around the ruck.'
Canada came into that game off the back of a silver medal in the Olympics and some of those players have integrated back into the 15's squad ahead of the World Cup. Canada also recently smashed the US 42-10 in Ottawa, which was highlighted by scoring 35 points unanswered at one stage.
Brittany Hogan acknowledges that they are a top side, but seems to feel confident that if Ireland can keep things together, they have enough to keep going with Canada. Brittany Hogan. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
'They were second in the World at that particular time and they still are. They've earned their spot on the World Ranking, they're an exceptional outfit, but we did leave a lot out there that day and like our yellow cards didn't help us.
'But we kept going, we kept the drive and I suppose that just shows like our team, like we're not going to give up until the very end. So even if it's five minutes left in the game and we're down, we're going to keep going, just as last week, we were down 14-0 and we just kept going.'
'Their experience and their ranking did show off, but that was a great learning experience for is and ever since we have closed the gap. Against France and England in the Six Nations we really showed we can stick it and we beat New Zealand last year. Like we showed we are ready and capable to play at the top table.' Scott Bemand. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady
It's all poised for a classic in Belfast. Players on the Irish side will be desperate to impress as it's the last chance they could have to put their hand up for places in Scott Bemand's World Cup squad.
Canada will be a stern challenge and provide a good measuring stick for where Ireland need to be to compete at the top end of the World Cup later this month.