France triumphed 46-19 against a competitive Canadian side that equalled their more illustrious opponents for long periods of an absorbing match. Superior fitness won the day, however, as France finished in style against a weary side playing their second game in four days to secure a bonus point victory. Canada will regret the indiscipline that kept the French ahead throughout … [Read more...]
Match Preview: France – Canada
France take on a high-flying Canadian team in the late Pool A game tonight in Napier, 8.15pm local time. France will look to refine their play against the minnows after a sloppy performance against Japan saw them rely on a final quarter blitz to run away with a competitive game. Canada, fresh from upsetting Tonga 25-20 in an intelligent performance in Whangarei, will look to … [Read more...]
Canada stun Tonga in thrilling contest
Canada pulled off a stunning upset in Whangarei to leave Tonga winless in Pool A, scoring two tries in a lethal eight minute period late in the match to begin their World Cup campaign with an unlikely 25-20 win. A bizarre team selection saw eleven new players enter the Tongan starting line-up, with positional changes for each of the four players that kept their spot from the … [Read more...]
Match Preview: Tonga – Canada
Canada belatedly play their first World Cup match of 2011 in Whangarei in the late game on Wednesday, facing a buoyant Tongan squad which impressed against a rusty All Blacks outfit in the opening match. Tonga narrowly missed out on the Pacific Nations title in July and looked powerful up front on Friday, crossing the much vaunted All Blacks line through a series of forward … [Read more...]
Canadian 2011 Tournament Preview
Canada participates in their seventh consecutive World Cup, one of twelve countries to do so; quarter-finalists in 1991, Canadian rugby has faltered somewhat in the years since and will have tempered expectations for 2011. Pool A presents a stern challenge for the Canadians, with heavyweights France and hosts New Zealand overwhelming favourites to progress through to the … [Read more...]