Canada Rugby Sevens Secures Third Place in Challenger Series Cape Town
Canada’s rugby sevens team concluded the second round of the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series with a strong performance, securing a 28-15 victory over Japan to claim third place in Cape Town. This result follows their runner-up finish in the first round of the tournament, reinforcing their position as a formidable contender in the series.
Dominant First-Half Display
During the third-place match at Athlone Sports Stadium, Canada established an early lead, going into halftime with a 21-5 advantage. Tries were contributed by Morgan Di Nardo, Brenden Black, Ethan Turner, and Kyle Tremblay, demonstrating the team’s attacking prowess. Black also added two conversions, while Turner and Thomas Isherwood each successfully slotted one.
Japan, fighting hard to stay in the contest, saw Takemichi Nakano score twice, with Shotaro Tsuoka also crossing the try line. Two of Japan’s tries came in the latter stages when Canada was reduced to six men due to Kal Sager spending time in the sin-bin. Despite the late surge from Japan, Canada held firm to secure the win.
Road to the Bronze Medal
Canada’s journey to third place saw them topping Pool B after registering victories over Uganda (38-7) and Tonga (26-24) on Friday. However, their quest for the final was halted by Germany, who claimed a 24-14 semifinal win. Japan, on the other hand, dominated Chile and Hong Kong in pool play before falling 26-14 to Portugal in the other semifinal.
In the clash against Germany, Canada found themselves trailing 14-0 and later 24-7 before Michael Laplaine-Pereira scored a late consolation try. Di Nardo also contributed a try, with Black and Turner successfully converting kicks. Despite falling short in the semifinals, the Canadian squad demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the competition.
Previous Round and Future Aspirations
The team had a dramatic start to the Challenger Series, finishing second in the first round after going unbeaten until the final, where they suffered a 33-7 defeat to Chile. Their semifinal victory over Germany in that round required extra time, with Tremblay’s diving effort sealing a thrilling 24-19 win. That hard-fought win showcased Canada’s ability to perform under pressure, something they’ll need as the series progresses.
Following their relegation from the HSBC SVNS circuit last season, Canada is aiming for a top-four finish in the three-event Challenger Series. Achieving this will grant them entry into the promotion/relegation tournament scheduled for May 3-4 in Carson, California. This decisive event will see the top four Challenger Series teams competing against the bottom four HSBC SVNS squads for a spot in the elite circuit next season.
A return to the top tier remains a crucial objective for Canada, as they seek to restore their standing among the best rugby sevens teams. Head coach and team analysts have emphasized the importance of improving defensive consistency while maintaining their dynamic attacking style. Their ability to convert possession into points and adapt to different playing styles will be key in the upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead to Krakow
With Cape Town wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the Challenger Series finale in Krakow, Poland, next month. The top eight teams from the first two rounds will battle for a chance to advance further, making this a crucial tournament for Canada’s hopes of regaining their place among the world’s best rugby sevens teams. The squad will be fine-tuning their strategy in the lead-up to the event, with training sessions emphasizing fitness, ball retention, and tactical execution.
With momentum on their side, Canada enters the final round knowing that every game counts. A strong showing in Krakow could not only secure their place in the promotion tournament but also reinforce their reputation as a team capable of competing at the highest level. The stakes have never been higher, and the Canadian squad is determined to rise to the challenge.
Canada’s performance in Cape Town showcased resilience and determination, keeping their promotion hopes alive. With one more round left, all eyes will be on how they finish the series in Poland. Their fate in the global rugby sevens landscape depends on their ability to deliver when it matters most.
