Canada lose to USA in the final game of the ARC
Canada fell to rivals USA on the final play of the match, losing 30-25 on Friday, March 8, 2019 in Seattle to close 2019 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC).
With USA already on the board with a penalty kick, it was Nick Blevins who scored the first try of the game off a skip pass. After that a heavy pushing Canadian maul brought Luke Campbell over the line. A TMO decision ruled that Campbell touched it down and put Canada up 12-8.
USA grinded out a second try just before the break and went into the second half leading 15-12. Gordon McRorie had a penalty kick and conversion in the first.
Heavy forward play by the U.S. got them a try early in the second half. Answering for Canada was Campbell with his second of the match after a lengthy drive forward inside USA's 22 metre. Canada fended off steady pressure from the USA with McRorie making two penalties late in the match to put Canada up 25-23.
Devastation came for Canada as they were playing a man down off a yellow card for a high tackle in the final minutes of play. USA's scrum half scored the final try of the match off a pick and go on the short side of the scrum in the final play of the match. USA came out victorious 30-25 to close out the final match of the ARC.
Canada went 1-5 in ARC in competition, with their lone win against Chile at home in Langford. Several members of the squad will now return to their Major League Rugby and international duties with a break from national team play.
Canada's Roster to face USA
1. Hubert Buydens – (NOLA Gold) Saskatoon, SK
2. Benoit Piffero – (Blagnac Sporting Club) Montreal, QC
3. Cole Keith – (Toronto Arrows) Sussex, NB
4. Conor Keys – (Rotherham Titans) Stittsville, ON
5. Kyle Baillie – (NOLA Gold) Summerside, PEI
6. Justin Blanchet – (Bedford Blues) Montreal, QC
7. Lucas Rumball – Captain (Toronto Arrows) Scarborough, ON
8. Luke Campbell – (James Bay AA) Victoria, BC
9. Phil Mack – (Seattle Seawolves) Victoria, BC
10. Gordon McRorie – (Calgary Hornets) Calgary, AB
11. Kainoa Lloyd – (Toronto Arrows) Mississauga, ON
12. Ben LeSage – (UBC Thunderbirds) Vancouver, BC
13. Nick Blevins – (Calgary Hornets) Calgary, AB
14. Andrew Coe – (Markham Irish) Toronto, ON
15. Theo Sauder – (Toronto Arrows) Vancouver, BC
16. Jordan Olsen – (Northland) Whangarei, NZ
17. Noah Barker – (Glendale Raptors) Courtenay, BC
18. Ryan Kotlewski – (Westshore RFC) Calgary, AB
19. Josh Larsen – (Austin Elite) Parksville, BC
20. Dustin Dobravsky – (Castaway Wanderers) Hanover, Germany
21. Jamie Mackenzie – (Toronto Arrows) Oakville, ON
22. Pat Parfrey – (Unattached) St. John’s, NL
23. Doug Fraser – (Austin Elite) Ladysmith, BC
2019 ARC Schedule:
February 2
Canada 17 - 20 Uruguay
February 9
Canada 10 - 18 Brazil
February 22
Canada 56 – 0 Chile
March1
Canada 23-39 Argentina XV
March 8
Canada 25-30 USA