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VICTORIA — John Tait is talking about Ashley Steacy’s comeback from a ruptured ACL when he has to stop and compose himself.

This makes for an interesting sight. Tait is 6-foot-8, has a shaved head and cauliflower ears and generally looks like he could provide muscle for the Gambino crime family. But on this subject he’s clearly moved because well, this group of young women have clearly moved him.

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“It’s been the hardest couple of weeks I’ve had as a head coach,” Tait says on an outdoor patio in Victoria. “The other day there were 12 great conversations and dreams came true. It was also four really terrible ones for the reserves. We know how much they want it and want to be there.

“It’s tough. I’ve spent as much time with these women as I have my own daughters.”

Now their journey together approaches its final destination. As for the dreaming, it’s only begun.

If the names of Tait and Steacy don’t mean anything to you right now, that will likely change in four weeks when the Olympics in Rio begin. Tait is the head coach of the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team. Steacy, who had reconstructive surgery 4 1/2 months ago, is the anchor of the team’s defence.