What's happening
Tonga - Canada

October 29 Match

WHAT'S HAPPENING? (posted 30th October 2003)
The Canucks were victorious 24-7 over a very tired looking Tongan team at Win stadium in Wollongong last night. In the first half Canada's five-eighth Bob Ross slotted three penalty goals to give the Canadians their 9 points for the first half, but it was Tonga's captain Afeaki who scored the first try of the match giving his team a 7-3 lead early on. As they headed to the sheds at half time the score was 9-7 in Canada's favour. The Canadians lost their inside centre Nikyta Witkowski during the first half when he sustained an eye injury after Tongan winger Pila Fifita trod on him.

The second half began and within minutes Ross had a penalty goal attempt for Canada but the strong wind he was kicking into caused him to miss. Shortly afterwards however, Sean Fauth the Canuck winger scored in the corner extending Canada's lead to 14-7.

With ten minutes left on the clock a very unfortunate incident saw Al Charron, the Canadian captain knocked out after copping a huge blow from Hola's shoulder. Referee Alain Rolland stopped play immediately and the medicos rushed to Charron, the oldest player in the tournament at 37, and he was stretchered off shortly afterwards. It is believed that Charron will retire after this tournament, so no doubt that was a very sad way to finish an illustrious career.

With play resumed, Canada slotted another penalty goal and the score was 17-7. Tonga still wasn't going to give it up though and tried desperately to score, almost doing so except they were held up over the line. But the Tongan side weren't to win - their replacement fullback David Palu sin binned by Alain Rolland for a shoulder charge gave the Canadians the opportunity they were looking for and Aaron Abrams went over for a Canadian try - 24-7.

The win for Canada keeps them away from the bottom of the Pool D ladder, and also maintains their record of having won a game in each world cup so far.