By Josh Graham

Brazil captain Maria Graf returns to the line-up for their final World Cup fixture against Canada as the Amazonas look to end on a high on Wednesday.

Paul Grundy’s debutants lost 70-0 to Papua New Guinea last time out with Graf sitting on the sidelines after picking up a one-game suspension for tripping.

However, she is back in the halves and is joined in the 19-strong matchday squad by Tait Fernandes, the only other player to have represented Brazil in their first-ever fixture against Argentina in 2018.

Canada are also looking to bow out with a win after the 2017 semi-finalists missed out on replicating that achievement with a 54-4 defeat to England on Saturday.

Mike Castle makes four changes to his Ravens squad with Dani Franada, Sarah Maguire, Jade Menin and Ferris Sandboe coming into the side in Leeds.

Canada: 14 Maddy Aberg, 15 Nina Bui, 16 Rachel Choboter, 6 Alanna Fittes, 1 Dani Franada, 11 Gabrielle Hindley (captain), 12 Sarah Maguire, 10 Laura Mariu, 7 Sabrina McDaid, 19 Jade Menin, 20 Lauren Mueller, 21 Natasha Naismith, 22 Ada Okonkwo, 13 Megan Pakulis, 4 Ferris Sandboe, 8 Kirsty Sargent, 24 Elizabeth Steele, 9 Natalie Tam, 3 Petra Woods

Brazil: 18 Natalia Momberg, 22 Edna Santini, 3 Leticia Medeiros, 12 Amanda Welter, 4 Daniele Soares, 6 Giovanna Moura, 7 Maria Graf (captain), 8 Franciny Amaral, 9 Patricia Bodeman, 10 Paula Casemiro, 11 Patricia Oliveira, 17 Ana Loschi de Quadroa, 16 Brena Prioste, 5 Suzana Rodrigues, 23 Natalia Jonck, 13 Barbara Leal, 2 Tati Fernandes, 21 Ellen Trindade, 15 Franciele Barros

Head-to-head

It is uncharted territory for both sides as they have never faced each other before.

Fun fact

Canada are just the sixth different team that Brazil have ever faced.

Canada record

The Ravens came into this tournament with high hopes having been losing semi-finalists on their 2017 debut but defeat to Papua New Guinea and England has cut short their progress.

Brazil record

The Amazonas had a crucial hit out in a 16-4 warm-up defeat to France before losing 72-4 to the hosts in the opening fixture. Paul Grundy’s side then went down 70-0 to the Orchids in Hull, ending their run of scoring in every game.

Players to watch

• Maria Graf (Brazil) will be back representing her country after serving her ban and will be chomping at the bit to make an impact
• Laura Mariu (Canada) is not short of experience in her sixth consecutive World Cup although the previous five she represented New Zealand

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets