Canada have held on to defeat Tonga 24-7 at WIN Stadium. In a tight arm wrestle, the Canadians superior handling and structure proved the difference in the closely contested match.
While Tonga attacked aggressively in the second half the Canadian defence held on to ensure the Tongans did not add to their half time score. Conversely the Canucks were able to put on 14 points through two tries, a conversion and a penalty goal.
The first try came on 50 minutes through an excellent backline movement orchestrated by fly half Ross, as the ball moved from one side of the field to the other, finding wing Sean Fauth unmarked outwide and able to scamper the necessary ten metres to score.
In the final minute the Canucks made sure they went home on a high when replacement Aaron Abrams scored in the corner and made sure the Canadian record of one win per RWC remained intact.
Tonga did not go without a fight. Replacement Sukanaivalu Hufanga made some tremendous inroads into the Canadian defence when he came on the field, but to their credit Canada scrambled well in defence to hold Tonga tryless in the second period.
On a more sober note Canadian legend Al Charron ended his international career and fourth RWC in less than ideal circumstances when he was stretchered from the field in the 70th minute after being hit in a tackle from nuggety fly half Pierre Hola.
Canada lead Tonga 9-7 at half time, fly half Bob Ross landing three penalty goals, while Tonga scored a try through captain Inoke Afeaki.
In a tight first half Canada opened the scoring with a penalty to Ross after his Tongan counterpart Hola was penalised for off side. The goal also brought up the 2000 points at RWC 2003.
Canada enjoyed plenty of great field position thanks to a strong wind but it was Tonga that were first across the line in the 16th minute, skipper Inoke Afeaki taking the ball from the back of the ruck and crashing over.
Ross cut the deficit to one point in the 23rd minute with another penalty goal and then landed his third on 36 minutes.
Canada 24
Tries: Sean Fauth; Aaron Abrams
Con: James Pritchard
Pen: Bob Ross 4
Defeated
Tonga 7
Tries: Inoke Afeaki
Con: Pierre Hola