Canada take game 1 of Junior World Trophy Qualifier against USA

Contributed Article: Pat Parfrey 04/06/2019

Rugby 15s U20 Men

Canada came away with a hard-fought win against USA in the first game of the Junior World Trophy qualifier at Shawnigan Lake School on Tuesday evening.

In this game momentum changed on several occasions with Canada racing to a 20 point lead inside 20 minutes. The USA dominated the middle of the Game scoring 2 converted tries before half and 2 more converted tries after halftime. Canada then answered with three tries to lead by 44- 28 with 10 minutes to go before the USA maintained possession for the final 10 minutes, to decrease the point difference to 11 points in advance of game 2.

Canada started off their 20-0 run with excellent ball movement out to the wing to Avery Oitoman for the first try of the game. Will Percillier notched a penalty kick off a high tackle on Webster shortly after.

The ball found its way out to David Richard who dotted down of the score and Percillier added two. Percillier continued to show his dominance, getting the offload off the floor and speeding it in for the try. Oitoman made a huge effort to get the pass to the inside off the box kick and Percillier stepped his way around the USA to score. Canada showed disciplined defense at the end of the half to hold off USA, going into the break up 25-14.

USA came out hard in the second half to go up for the first time in the match. After a lengthy bit of play without a score, Canada came back with a huge try by Quinn Ngawati—breaking through the line to touch down under the sticks and Percillier getting the kick to go. Ngawati wasn’t done yet, he showed his pace to get on the outside and run it down for his second try. Gabriel Casey notched Canada’s final try, powering over the line to score. Ngawati took over kicking duties from Percillier and added two more. The USA were relentless in the final minutes of play, but a conditioned Canada dug deep to hold on to the win 44-33.

Tyler Duguid was named man of the match for his tough uncompromising loose play. Quinn Ngawati scored two superb individual tries that made the difference in the score line. Canada’s set play was superior but the USA forwards demonstrated outstanding pick and drive skills penetrating Canada’s ruck defence at will. Mike Weir at outside half for USA had an excellent game.

“This high scoring game was exciting for fans but a concern for coaches,” commented head coach Jeff Williams. “We will need to improve in several areas including decision making, tactical kicking and tackling if we want to beat USA on Saturday. Traditionally USA are better in the second game of the 2 game qualifier. We need hometown support because you can guarantee the USA will be flying.”

They’ll take an 11 point lead into the final game of the series with the aggregate winner booking their ticket to the Junior World Trophy in Brazil this summer.

Canada’s Men’s U20 Roster:
1. Stefan Zuliani, Queens University, Ontario
2. Jared Augustin, Queens University, Ontario
3. Tyler Rowland, UBC, Ontario
4. Frank Carson, UBC, BC
5. Tyler Duguid, Edmonton Nor’westers, Alberta
6. Quentin James, Stade Francais, BC
7. Will Matthews, Beaconsfield RC, Quebec
8. Nick Carson, UVIC, BC
9. Will Percillier, Stade Francais, BC
10. Brock Webster, Oshawa Vikings, Ontario
11. David Richard, Mississauga Blues, Ontario
12. Quinn Ngawati, Westshore RFC, BC
13.Gabriel Casey, UVIC, Ontario
14. Jarvis Dashkewytch, UVIC, BC
15. Avery Oitomen, Toronto Arrows, Ontario
16. David Carson, UBC, BC
17. Josh Tweed, UBC, BC
18. Guerschom Mukendi, Stoney Creek RC, Ontario
19. Reid Davis, James Bay AA, BC
20. Mason Flesch, James Bay AA, Ontario
21. JT Boehme, James Bay AA, BC
22. James Biss, Saracens, England
23. Thomas Isherwood, Westshore RFC, Alberta
24. Siaki Vikalani, Burnaby, BC
25. Antoine de la Fontaine, Sherbrooke Abenakis, Quebec
26. Austin Pinnell, Edmonton Nor’westers, Alberta