Canada maintains unbeaten run against Tonga
Canada has now won all three Rugby World Cup matches played between the two nations.
The Canadians clinically built a 10-7 lead in the first half before scoring two late tries to steal the famous win.
The Tongan supporters may have caused the overwhelming upshot of support for the World Cup itself last week, but the second straight loss for the Ikale Tahi, after being beaten by the All Blacks on opening night, effectively rules them out of the quarter final running.
After going through the 2007 tournament without a single win, Canada rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and technical application that defies most of their squad being a bunch of amateurs.
Tonga is ranked 12th in the world rankings while Canada is two places lower at 14th place.
In other match, Samoa easily accounted for African minnows Namibia with a 49 12 win.
Giant Samoan winger Alesana Tuilagi scored a hat trick of tries but the Samoans will be concerned with injuries to star first five eighth Tusi Pisi and impressive flanker Taiasina Tuifua.
They will take on Wales on Sunday at 3.30pm and captain, Mahonri Schwalger believes with just four days of rest his boys will have to play better than yesterday.
Also, Scotland had a close 15-6 win against Georgia - in the first match of the RWC where no tries was scored.
Meanwhile Springboks Winger Bryan Habana is the latest first choice South Africa player who will miss the Springboks rugby World Cup clash with Fiji on Saturday.
Habana sustained a slight knee injury in the world champions 17 16 victory over Wales in their Pool D opener last Sunday in Wellington and would not be available for the Fiji match.
The flying wing joins veteran locking duo Victor Matfield, Johann Muller and center Jean de Villiers on the injury list.
Coach Peter De Villiers will name his side to play Fiji today.
As for the Flying Fijians preparation, Scrum coach - Michael Foley has high hopes for a good performance on Saturday.
Foley, who joined the team again this week, believes they know that the Boks will be coming to this game knowing what happened in the last World Cup but they have faith in putting up a great game.
Fiji will take on South Africa at 6pm Saturday and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station, Viti FM with the voice of rugby Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from Ilivasi Tabua.
Today at 7.30pm, USA will play against Russia in a Pool C match.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement