Tessier back to lead Canada in PAC4

Exeter Chiefs Women’s centre Alex Tessier has returned to the Canadian camp to take the reins of her national side.

After Canada beat Australia 24-0 in round one in California, Canada’s attention now turns to the Black Ferns for tomorrow night’s game (KO 23:15 BST) in Kansas City.

This will be a re-run of the Rugby World Cup semi-final that saw Canada pull off a sensational win at Ashton Gate to progress to the final.

Canada’s captain Tessier has joined the squad for this second fixture, following her recovery from a fracture in her hand.

Tessier said: “I was a bit disappointed, not being fit for the last game but things like that happen in rugby, and you just have to get on with it.

“Obviously, I’ve been keeping in touch and keeping up to date with what they did in training and I put my best self forward when I came back with the team this week. It was definitely hard because I love Rugby Canada. I love our team. It's hard to miss games like that, but its life and I'm here now.”

Canada’s head coach Kevin Rouet joked: “She had a very strong first practice. She wanted to make sure the kids knew she was the boss! It was fun to see that. I think everybody's excited to see her play this weekend.”

Chiefs’ tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin and hooker Emily Tuttosi will also start this game. These two players are never very far from being among the first names on the teamsheet.

Rouet said: “It feels unfair that DaLeaka has not got more MVPs in her career because a lot of times she's one of the most important players on the field. I think she's a unique type. No-one can play like her in the open field.”

On Tuttosi, Rouet added: “I just bringing in kids every time to try to challenge Tuttosi. She is a welcoming person, teaches them what to do, but she's above them every time. So I love that. I like that kind of behaviour from her. She is a nice person, but when it's time, Tuttosi just keeps grabbing the number two jersey.”

Loosehead prop Hope Rogers will start her second game of the tournament against Australia. Although Rogers scored a trademark pick-and-go try against the Black Ferns, it was not enough with the home side coming away 15-48 losers. The Eagles will also play in Kansas City kicking off at 2:00 (BST) on Saturday.