Meet Sophie de Goede, Canada's John Eales impersonator who threatens England's progress
The TelegraphCanada’s Sophie de Goede is not your average place kicker. A goal-kicking forward is extremely rare in the modern game - the Wallabies captain John Eales, who was Australia’s celebrated kicker despite being a lock - is the last prominent example of a member of the pack splitting the uprights. “I like the actual act of doing it, stepping into the tee and knowing your teammates have confidence in you, but you’re only as good as your last game.” Every place kicker has a treasured tale of practicing their art for hours in all weathers but de Goede’s backstory is as unconventional as they come. Her flanker mum, Stephanie, captained the first ever Canada women’s team in 1987 - while her father, Hans, a lock, also captained Canada at the first rugby World Cup that same year. Her hybrid status as a goal kicker and destructive No.8 has proved a popular hit among fans at the women’s World Cup.
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