Canada beats Scotland to clinch top spot in group at Women's Rugby World Cup

Canada secured top place in Pool B at the Women's Rugby World Cup, beating Scotland 40-19 on Saturday in Exeter, England, and avoiding a likely quarterfinal clash with favourites England.

Instead, Scotland, who had already secured a last-eight berth last weekend, are set for a showdown with the Auld Enemy in the quarters if England overcome Australia in Brighton later on Saturday.

Second-ranked Canada had already been guaranteed progress to the knockout stages but were subjected to a tough contest by Scotland, who had the majority of possession but paid the price for a myriad of mistakes.

Emily Tuttosi scored two tries for Canada with one each for McKinley Hunt, Brittany Kassil and Olivia DeMerchant plus a penalty try.

Scotland's try scorers were Rhona Lloyd, Evie Gallagher and Fran McGhie, with her sixth of the tournament.

Canada's win was the first of a double header at Sandy Park, with Fiji and Wales, who have both been eliminated, kicking off at 1345 GMT.

Also on Saturday in Pool A, the United States were meeting Samoa in York while England take on Australia.

If Australia lose and do not get a bonus point and the U.S. win with a bonus point, both Australia and the Americans will have eight points, and a place in the last eight will then be decided on points difference