September 14, 2024 (Tokyo, Japan) – Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team concluded the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday in Japan, losing 30-17 to Tonga in the fifth place play-off.
Peter Nelson put points on the board for Canada first with a good penalty kick, but it was the Ikale Tahi who scored the first try. Tonga scored a second in the 14th minute to go up 14-3, but a yellow card to Jethro Felemi in the 18th minute gave Canada an opportunity that they did not put to waste.
With a scrum at Tonga’s five metre line, captain Lucas Rumball powered the ball forwards, passing it off to Andrew Quattrin for the try. Nelson’s conversion closed the gap to 14-10.
Tonga managed one more try before half-time, putting the score at 19-10. They furthered their lead again in the 46th minute with a good penalty kick.
The ensuing 20 minutes saw both teams battling for momentum, with strong set pieces from the Canadians.
“We’ve got to start converting in that white zone. I think it’s been a theme for us all tournament. When we did put the pressure on and get the opportunities, then we lacked in our ability to finish,” said Rumball.
Canada was next to score, with Cooper Coats darting through Tonga’s defence before offloading the ball to Takoda McMullin. His try was converted by Nelson, bringing the score to 22-17.
Ethan Fryer was assessed a yellow card for a high tackle with 10 minutes remaining in the match, with Tonga taking this opportunity for another penalty kick. The Ikale Tahi scored once more before the final whistle, bringing the full-time score to 30-17.
“This bunch is diligent, they work hard,” said Head Coach Kingsley Jones. “I’m pleased with them today, I think it’s a step forward. Real opportunities were created, and a lot of possession in the second half. A big learning for our youngsters is just being clinical and taking the opportunities to take the points that are on offer.
“What we’ve looked at in the last six months is how we build strong foundations,” Jones said in regards to Canada’s set pieces. “The set pieces have been great. We’re missing about eight guys from that pack as well that had played in the July tests, so full credit to these guys here.”
Pacific Pride graduate and prop Tyler Matchem earned his first cap for Canada, coming off the bench halfway through the second half.
“I’m hugely excited,” Rumball said of the future of the team. “If you look at the results, even against Tonga from last year to this year, it’s a lot closer. For us, we’re building, and I take it as a step forward.”
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will next play in Romania in November, with matches set for November 9 against Chile and November 16 against Romania. Further details will be available soon.
More information about the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.
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