Canada’s men’s rugby team clinched a thrilling 19-16 victory over the United States in the Pacific Nations Cup, securing a third-place finish. Ben LeSage initiated the scoring with an early try, followed by additional tries from Mason Flesch and Jesse Kilgour. Takoda McMullin successfully converted LeSage and Kilgour’s tries in the 11th and 60th minutes.
This marks Canada’s best finish since 2014 when they placed third and 2013 when they secured second. Japan emerged victorious in the tournament’s final match against Fiji, with Samoa and Tonga also in contention.
Canada took the lead in the 10th minute as LeSage scored the opening try, converted by McMullin. Flesch extended the lead to 12-0 with his try following a turnover in the U.S. lineout. The Americans responded with a try from Fakaosifolau Pifeleti and a conversion by Luke Carty, narrowing the gap to 12-7.
Carty’s penalty kick just before halftime brought the U.S. within two points at 10-12. The U.S. took the lead for the first time in the match with another successful penalty kick by Carty early in the second half, making it 13-12.
Canada regained the lead at 19-13 in the 59th minute when Flesch set up Kilgour for his first career try. Despite Carty’s third penalty kick cutting the lead to 19-16 in the 72nd minute, Canada’s defense held firm under intense pressure in the final moments, securing the crucial win with a strong defensive play by Lucas Rumball.