Menin strides into next Canada test against the Red Roses

Exeter Chiefs Women’s prop DaLeaka Menin will continue her run of starts in the tighthead prop as Canada prepare for their next test against the Red Roses.

The 31-year-old has been an ever-present in the current WXV Global Series, involved in all three games against England this autumn.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s assistant coach Ross Bunday said: “Watching DaLeaka represent Canada at WXV, having first seen her play at Sandy Park during the first WXV games, has been fantastic. She’s such an exciting player to watch, and the growth in her scrummaging has impressed me enormously.

“Alongside her ability on the ball and the threat she brings in attack, her work-rate around the pitch really stands out. She’s becoming a hugely influential player at the heart of Canada’s pack. We’re looking forward to having her back where she’ll be a massive asset to our own pack.”

The series finale will take place on Friday night at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa.

"It felt amazing to get the win last week but that game still left us with a lot to work on and improve if we want to get another win on Friday in Ottawa," said Canada’s head coach kevin Rouet. "It's the final week of tour for us and we want to finish strong so practice this week has been all about adjusting and correcting parts of our game while making sure players can rest and recover to be ready for another big match."

The most notable change to Canada’s squad this week sees former Chief Taylor Perry return to her familiar fly-half position, while Shoshanah Seumanutafa earns a start at inside centre after scoring the go-ahead try in Canada’s win over England last week. Chiefs’ Alex Tessier will start the game on the bench after coming off the pitch last week against the Red Roses.

Another ex-Chief, Gabrielle Senft moves into the starting fifteen and giving Caroline Crossley the opportunity to come off the bench. Crossley will be looking to make her first appearance in a 15s jersey for Canada since last year’s Rugby World Cup.

"The players really like playing in Ottawa," added Rouet. "We have had some great crowds each time we've played here over the last couple of years. Really looking forward to another game in Canada with our fans supporting us and giving us that extra push at key points in the game. It makes such a big difference."

Meanwhile, Chiefs’ prop Maisie Davies will start Wales’s game against Japan at loosehead.