USA into Pacific Nations Cup semis after beating Canada

MATCH REPORT: The United States secured a place in the semifinals of the Pacific Nations Cup with a 28-15 win over Canada in Carson, California on Saturday.

The victory means the USA are guaranteed to progress to the last four from the pool stage regardless of the outcome of their final game against Japan in Tokyo next weekend.

Canada have lost both their games in Pool B meaning they will play in a fifth-place play-off game in Japan.

The USA scored three first-half tries to take control of the game.

After an exchange of penalty goals, Connor Mooneyham got the first try, racing down the line after a poor clearance from the Canadians.

Mooneyham added another try after being found by Tavite Lopeti to make it 13-3.

Canada fought back when a short pass from Andrew Quattrin set up Nic Benn for a try but the conversion was missed leaving the Americans ahead by five.

After Canada turned the ball over in their own half, Luke Carty produced some smart work to find Mitch Wilson who ran in the third try for the Americans to lead 18-8 at the break.

The USA dominated the second half and put the game beyond Canada when Kapeli Pifeleti burst in for a try which was initially ruled out for holding up but was awarded after a review.

Cooper Coats pulled back a try for Canada in the 59th minute but the outcome was never in doubt.

The scorers:

For USA:
Tries: Connor Mooneyham 2, Mitch Wilson, Kapeli Pifeleti
Con: Luke Carty
Pens: Luke Carty 2

For Canada:
Tries: Cooper Coats, Nic Benn
Con: Peter Nelson
Pen: Peter Nelson