It was a match that proved what we already knew, the gap in world rugby between New Zealand and Canada continues to widen.
It was not the most lopsided game between the two countries. But if not for a ball sometimes greased up by the humidity inside the dome stadium in Oita, Japan, and a few dropped passes chalked up to the All Blacks’ need for speed, the 63-0 score line in the Rugby World Cup Pool B matchup could have looked a whole lot worse for Canada.
It probably will never go back to the days where Canada could hang with New Zealand. In 1991, Canada’s only appearance in the second round of the World Cup, it lost 29-13. But in those days, Canada was a top 15 nation in the IRB World Rankings with several players playing overseas.
Now, New Zealand continues to find ways to get better even as the top-ranked team in the world and two-time defending champions with a side of full-time professionals who compete at top levels. Canada, ranked 22nd, has to get the best out of a side that features some overseas players but mainly gets its roster from Canadian amateur clubs or more recently, players who compete in the fledgling North American circuit, Major League Rugby.
The Canadians did have some positives. They held New Zealand off the scoresheet for the final 23 minutes of the game. They did have one opportunity to score midway through the first half when a mis-handled ball fell into the hands of Gordon McRorie who, with some good support running from Peter Nelson took the ball inside the All Blacks’ five-metre line. But they eventually lost possession.
“We had big chunks where we were really in the game,” Canadian head coach Kingsley Jones said. “But we failed to capitalize on our pressure. Our lineout didn’t function well. We had good positions and didn’t take advantage of those so that’s a fix for us.”
“The way they dug in the last 20 minutes, I’m proud of the guys. They showed true Canadian grit.”
Otherwise, the All Blacks have too many weapons, too many tools, too many tricks. When they were on, they easily passed by the first line of Canadian defence and put their speed on display from there. Canada gave up a penalty try to open things just four minutes in. Jordie Barrett was left wide open on a kick from Richie Mo-Unga for a score. Legendary star Sonny Bill Williams and Beauden Barrett added scores to give the Kiwis a 28-0 lead at halftime. Scott Barrett, one of three brothers on the side, dropped the ball as he was touching down for another try which would have added to the damage.
The main event took place early in the second half. Williams made a big run to set up Rieko Ioane for a score. Scott Barrett eventually found the line on a set-up from Kieran Read. Shannon Frizell added one more then Brad Weber, who came on as a substitute, finished the scoring with two try-scoring runs over 30 metres.
“I admire the All Blacks accuracy, skill, speed,” Jones said. “The speed and power that they can deliver at times, it really causes big problems. It’s difficult to defend.”
Canada, who lost its first game 48-7 to Italy, now face a difficult South Africa side next Tuesday.
FRANCE 33, U.S. 9
The U.S. may have been on the wrong end of the scoreboard but its performance against France gained them a lot of respect. The third penalty goal of the match for A.J. MacGinty in the 64th minute brought his side to within three points as the U.S. matched France in both possession and territory at that point.
But two quick tries in succession by Gael Fickou and Baptiste Serin and a late try by Jefferson Poirot, along with first-half scores from Yoann Huget and Alivereti Raka gave the Six Nations Championship side the bonus point and moved them to second place in Pool C, one point behind England.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019
