Pacific Nations Cup: Canada upset USA, Tonga beat Samoa
MATCH REPORT: The Pacific Nations Cup opened with an upset as Canada recording a long-awaited win over neighbouring USA in at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.
Skipper Tyler Ardron led from the front with four tries in a 34-20 victory, Canada’s first over the Eagles in six years.
The teams were level 17-17 at halftime, but the hosts pulled away after the break as Ardron completed his tally and Peter Nelson added another. AJ MacGinty’s yellow card ended any chance of a late US comeback.
In the second match, Tonga overpowered Samoa 30-16 in a bruising contest in Nuku’alofa.
Tries from Siosiua Moala, Sonatane Takulua and Samiuela Moli set the tone for the home side, with Patrick Pellegrini adding key points from the tee.
Samoa crossed through Tuna Tuitama and Melani Nanai, but handling errors and discipline proved costly as Tonga controlled the scoreboard.
