Canada U20 lose to Portugal U20 at World Trophy

Contributed Article 13/07/2019

Rugby 15s U20 Men

Canada U20 were beaten by 49-21 by Portugal today at the World Rugby U20 Trophy. At 60 minutes Canada were pressing hard and down by 21-27, however Canada leaked 22 points in the last 15 minutes.

They were beaten by the better team who defended extremely well and availed skillfully of their opportunities . They were powered by a fine out half ,Miguel Geronimo, who kicked 19 points and an electric wing, Raffaele Storti, who scored 2 fabulous tries and created another.

Despite the score line Canada played good rugby, won the primary phase battle, and attacked intelligently. Unfortunately they did not avail of 4 golden opportunities, being held up over the line twice, knocking on in goal once, and failing to deliver the final pass accurately twice for what looked like sure tries. Canada’s defensive game was weaker as Portugal scored 6 tries.

Will Percillier scored at 9 minutes having made a sharp break from a score ,and converted the try to make the score 7-3. Portugal scored 2 converted tries before Stefan Zuliani dived over from an end of lineout win. This try was also converted by Percillier. The score at half was 14-17.

Early in the second half Portugal kicked a goal and scored a converted try. Canada responded at 60 minutes with a Guerschom Mukendi try from a driving lineout, magnificently converted by Percillier from the touch line. The last 15 minutes were disappointing as Portugal scored three tries from a poorly defended driving lineout, a blocked kick ,and a scrum following a restart directly into touch.

Canada’s best players were Michael McCarthy who was pin point in the lineout. Nick Carson, who made multiple long breaks, Siaki Vikilani who was impactful in the second half, Will Percillier whose service was excellent, and Thomas Isherwood,who made 2 try saving tackles and ran aggressively.

“We are extremely disappointed as we prepared very well but we just have to accept that the better team won," commented head coach Jeff Williams. “The capacity of Portugal to stay in the game by strong defensive work and then to take their opportunities is a lesson for us. We have improved but not by enough. The challenge for us is to get our players more experience at the test match level."

Substitutions were as follows:

Josh Tweed for Stefan Zuliani at 40 minutes, Reid Davis for Tyler Duguid at 52 minutes.

Guerschom Mukendi for Tyler Rowland at 52 minutes.

Lockie Kratz for Gabe Casey at 54 minutes.

Siaki Vikilani for Quentin James at 62 minutes.

David Carson for Michael McCarthy at 65 minutes.

Mason Flesch for Will Matthews at 75 minutes .

Antoine de la Fontaine for Jarvis Dashkewytch at 75 minutes.

Canada's Roster:

1. Stefan Zuliani, Queens U, Ontario

2. Michael McCarthy, Swilers RFC, Newfoundland

3. Tyler Rowland, UBC, Ontario