Match Report - Canada vs Germany

Canada showed admirable composure to see off stubborn German resistance and get the win that leaves them on the verge of qualification for RWC 2019.

In truth, it was remarkable that Germany were in the contest for so long – there was only a score between the sides with 11 minutes to go – given the weight of territory and possession against them.

But coach Mike Ford’s defensive expertise has clearly rubbed off on Germany who, in the first half especially, tackled themselves to a standstill.

Canada’s big runners came at them time and time again, but it took 23 minutes before their defence was breached, Lucas Rumball blasting through Sebastian Ferreira’s attempted try-line tackle to add to Gordon McRorie’s earlier penalty.

Still, Germany found it difficult to get their hands on the ball but, with half an hour gone, they scored on their first visit to the Canadian 22.

Dasch Barber, a temporary replacement at hooker for Kurt Haupt, who was off the field for a head injury assessment, burrowed over from the base of a ruck within a minute of entering the fray. Raynor Parkinson added the conversion.

It took a brilliant turnover from Jamie Murphy deep inside his 22 to keep the scoreline at 10-7 to Canada at half-time.

There was no let-up from Canada at the restart, DTH van der Merwe climbing high to win the kick-off. Wave after wave of red attacks followed and eventually Tyler Ardron blasted his way over for a try which turned into seven points with the conversion.

Germany responded well to the setback and worked winger Carlos Soteras-Merz into space with some good handling. Flanker Kyle Baillie was penalised at the breakdown and Parkinson kicked the straightforward penalty from 25 metres out.

Then, Gordon McRorie’s show-and-go opened up Germany but the return pass from Theo Saunder went to ground and another opportunity was lost.

After an outstanding turnover from captain Michael Poppmeier came to Germany’s rescue, the Europeans proceeded to enjoy their best passage of play. However, a couple of wayward passes and an untimely knock-on prevented them from closing the gap.

On 69 minutes, it was effectively game over. Baillie took the ball up through the guts of the now tiring German defence to put Canada on the front foot and Matt Heaton then made further inroads after taking an inside pass from McRorie at pace. Stopped just short, Canada quickly recycled the ball and Matt Evans twisted his way over to make it 22-10.

Three minutes later, following good work from the forwards and Ben LeSage’s initial break, McRorie scored himself to secure what could be the all-important try bonus point.

Canada captain Phil Mack was a relieved man at the final whistle. “It was incredibly difficult. We knew they were going to come out strong and we knew they were going to be a big physical side so we really prepared for that. Going into the game, it was one of the most pressurised situations we'd had, but I am so proud of the way the boys hung together and stuck it out. We still have one more game to come and, like last week, we have to reflect on this and carry on and, hopefully, we'll get a trip to the World Cup.” 

Germany captain Michael Poppmeier: “All credit to Canada, they played really well. It was a hard, physical game and there is a reason why they have been to every World Cup since its inception. We can only hope we can go from strength to strength.” 

via World Rugby