CANADA 35 RUSSIA 3
It's an international sporting match-up that usually involves skates, pucks and sticks, with any scrums coming in front of nets.
But on Saturday, Canada and Russia squared off in a rugby Test match with the Langford-based national team scoring a comprehensive 35-3 victory over the Russians at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay, Wales.
In a sport that gives nicknames to national teams - from All Blacks to Springboks - it's the Russia Bears. But they were tamed by a Canuck onslaught that included two tries by Jeff Hassler and one try each from Taylor Paris and Nick Blevins. The Aussie-raised, Canadian-connected Jamie Pritchard kicked three converts and three penalty goals.
Canada is now 3-0 all-time against Russia, which is ranked No. 20 in the world. If only it were this easy in ice hockey.
The win was especially satisfying in coming off the soberingly one-sided 42-12 loss to world No. 10 Samoa last week in Colwyn Bay that began No. 13 Canada's fall tour during the IRB's annual November Test window.
Canadian head coach Kieran Crowley of Mill Bay, a former New Zealand World Cup champion, was much happier than he was last week.
"The defensive side of our game in the final period was outstanding," he said in a Rugby Canada statement.
"We're very pleased with the win. We scored some good tries. And to keep the other team try-less was a good performance."
Jebb Sinclair, Chauncey O'Toole and Ciaran Hearn - all associated with the Castaway Wanderers of Oak Bay - started Saturday. Also starting was the emerging Tyler Ardron, who captained Canada in the recent Americas championships held at Westhills Stadium in Langford.
Off the bench, Hubert Buydens of CW came into the game at 76 minutes; Nanyak Dala of CW at 43 minutes; Connor Braid of James Bay Athletic Association, a try scorer against Samoa, at 23 minutes; John Moonlight of JBAA at 64 minutes; and Phil Mack of JBAA at 49 minutes.
Canada closes out its three-game tour Friday against the New Zealand Maori at historic Iffley Road, Oxford.
