Canada’s women’s rugby team has secured a spot in the Olympic quarterfinals, but is facing a tough task in moving on.
Canada defeated China 26-17 in its final group match on Tuesday. That victory secured the women second place in Group A with a record of 2-1, which was key to avoiding a rematch with the powerhouse New Zealand squad, whom they lost to 33-7 on Sunday.
So while China gets a Kiwi matchup (by virtue of being a best third-place team), Canada will instead face host France. That game will go at 4 p.m ET / 1 p.m. PT Monday, with the semifinals and medal matches on Tuesday.
The French ran roughshod over their group of Japan, Brazil, and the U.S., allowing just 14 points while piling up 106. Their +92 point differential was second only to New Zealand. France was ranked third in the world sevens rankings this year, with Canada fifth.
The other quarterfinals will see Great Britain take on the U.S. and Australia face Ireland.
Canada did not advance past the group stage at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
