James Pritchard scored a try and kicked seven from seven penalties and conversions to spark Canada to a 36-27 win over Tonga in a Pacific Nations Cup rugby match on a rainy Saturday at Queen’s University.
The Canadians, 3-0 in the five-nation event, stretched their lead at the top of the table, having already beaten the United States 16-9 last month and Fiji 20-18 just three days earlier.
After a friendly against Ireland on Friday in Toronto, the Canadians will try to complete a sweep of Cup matches with a victory in Japan on June 19.
Tonga, who opened with a 27-17 victory over Japan last month, will visit the United States on Friday and play Fiji in Japan on June 19.
Canada took a 9-7 halftime lead, with three penalty kicks by fullback Pritchard for the hosts after a try by Lua Lokotui and conversion from Kurt Morath gave Tonga the early edge.
Tonga’s Ed Aholelei was red-carded in the 34th minute.
Matt Evans and Sean Duke scored early second-half tries and Canada jumped ahead by 16 points before Kurt Morath connected on a penalty to pull Tonga within 23-10.
Ciaran Hearn converted a long penalty in reply and Pritchard followed with a try and kicked the conversion to give Canada a 33-10 edge.
Tonga’s Viliame Iongi, Fetu’u Vainikolo and Will Helu answered with tries to pull the visitors within 33-27 with less than three minutes to play.
But Pritchard added another penalty in the final seconds, completing a perfect kicking day to secure the victory for Canada.
“My heart stopped a couple times there,” said Canadian captain Aaron Carpenter, who earned his 50th cap in the match.
Evans was taken off on a stretcher after a hard hit but was deemed well after the match.
It was the first meeting for Tonga and Canada since the Canadians won 25-20 at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
atlas
Guest
I agree with you - both of them could well have been red - especially the last one. Intent to injure. but the coach say "But in today's game, I couldn't justify the two yellow cards."
Cantab
Guest
Haha...that's some rubbish chat by the coach, I can't really tell with the first one because its so messy, but the next two...Jesus, he should be happy the cards are yellow.
Anne
Roar Rookie
Looking at the footage Tonga flew a long way looking for a brawl. Disgraceful,scenes that should have seen 4 or 5 red cards.
atlas
Guest
note on a couple of the Canada players, sponsored by Canada Rugby prop Hubert Buydens and hooker Ryan Hamilton have been playing club rugby in Taranaki NZ since March in preparation for these PNC matches, for New Plymouth Old Boys, club formerly coached by current Canada forwards coach Neil Barnes (and Canada coach Kieran Crowley also ex Taranaki). Buydens may return (if selected) for a season of ITM Cup rugby. Good on him.
atlas
Guest
Tonga's rugby coach Mana Otai is claiming that international referees are picking on his players because they are black. His comments came after violence riddled and red and yellow card marred Pacific Nations match between Tonga and Canada in Kingston, Ontario. Canada won 36-27. One Tongan was red-carded in the first half and there were two yellow cards against them. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/8777993/Tonga-s-rugby-coach-says-black-players-singled-out The link has a video of the card incidents.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Looks like Canada will win the 2013 PNC and Mr E.Jones will be looking for another gig :-)