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| ** Canada get the better of Tonga |
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| Adam Kleeberger of Canada lifts William Helu of Tonga during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Tonga and Canada at Northland Events Centre on September 14, 2011 in Whangarei, New Zealand. ( September 13, 2011 - Photos by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac) ** Canada opened their World Cup account with a deserved 25-20 win over crowd favourites Tonga in Whangarei on Wednesday. The Canucks outscored Tonga three tries to two in a cracking game, and were full value for their win after leading 10-7 at half-time.The islanders bounced back in the second half though and looked on course for their first victory after losing to New Zealand in last Friday's opening World Cup match. Tonga centre Siale Piutau picked up his second try while Kurt Morath chipped away at the lead. However, Canada had other ideas and stormed back in front thanks to tries from number eight Aaron Carpenter and wing Phil Mackenzie. With just a converted try to win the match, Tonga pushed hard until the final whistle but were unable to breach Canada's rock-solid defence. The defeat now leaves the Tongans with a mountain to climb in Pool A, after suffering back-to-back defeats in the tournament. * Man of the match: Tough one. For Tonga, a brace from Siale Piutau wasn't enough to see his side through. And for Canada, Ander Monro and Phil Mackenzie shone in the backs while Aaron Carpenter stood out in the forwards. But not as tall as flank Adam Kleeberger who got through a mountain of work for his team in a tireless performance. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7175537,00.html *** next test: 9-18 Canada v France Napier * 9-21 Tonga v Japan Whangarei *** |
