Men’s rugby: Canada lose to Chile (44-14)
Bucharest – Chile Dominates Canada in Men’s Rugby Test Match
Chile displayed an impressive performance by scoring seven tries to secure a convincing 44-14 victory over Canada in a men’s international rugby test match held on Saturday.
The Canadian team, currently ranked 22nd in the world, faced tough competition from the 21st-ranked Chile side. Their next challenge awaits them against the 20th-ranked Romania next Saturday at the Stadionul Arcul de Triumf.
This match marked the first encounter between Canada and Chile since October 2021 when Chile thwarted Canada’s World Cup qualification hopes with a 54-46 aggregate victory in a two-legged series.
Head coach Kingsley Jones is diligently preparing his young Canadian squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, set to commence next year through the Pacific Nations Cup.
Captain Lucas Rumball showcased his resilience by scoring Canada’s sole try in the 77th minute, overpowering a defender on the left flank after a well-executed pass from Cooper Coats. Peter Nelson contributed to Canada’s points tally with three successful penalty kicks.
The Garafulic brothers were instrumental in Chile’s victory, with Nicolas scoring two tries and Matias adding one to the scoreboard. Other try scorers for Chile included Cristobal Game, Raimundo Martinez, Benjamin Videla, and Domingo Saavedra, with Santiago Videla converting three tries and a penalty kick.
Chile’s lineup featured notable family connections, including the Escobar and Saavedra brothers, showcasing a true sense of unity on the field.
On the Canadian side, Noah and Mason Flesch both made significant contributions, with Noah earning his first cap as a centre and Mason showcasing his talents as a lock forward.
Despite a valiant effort, Canada faced setbacks with hooker Andrew Quattrin receiving a yellow card in the 68th minute for a dangerous tackle.
Coach Jones acknowledged the physicality of the match, emphasizing the importance of responding effectively to challenges on the field. He highlighted the need for improved performance in key areas such as field position and collision dominance.
Chile set the tone early in the match, capitalizing on a mishandled kickoff to score through Game in the opening minute. Despite Canada’s efforts, Chile maintained their lead throughout the game with clinical finishing and strong defensive displays.
Chile’s dominance was evident in the second half, with additional tries from Benjamin Videla, Saavedra, and Nicolas Garafulic. Canada struggled to breach the Chilean defense, resulting in a comprehensive victory for the South American side.
Looking ahead, Canada’s tour roster includes experienced players who previously competed in the Pacific Nations Cup, providing a solid foundation for future challenges.
The Canadian team’s mixed results in previous test matches underscore the need for continuous improvement and strategic development as they strive for success on the international stage.
This article, based on a report by The Canadian Press, was originally published on November 9, 2024.
