(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Tyler Ardron Shines as Canada Beats USA in Pacific Nations Cup 2025
Tyler Ardron made a sensational return to international rugby, scoring four tries in what he has announced will be his final season as a player. His performance helped Canada defeat USA 34-20 in Calgary during the opening match of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025.
The win was a major milestone for Canada, marking their first victory over the USA since 2021 and only their second in 16 meetings. Ardron, who plays for Castres Olympique in France’s Top 14, wasted no time making his mark, completing a first-half hat-trick before sealing his fourth try in the second half.
Canada dominated set pieces and structured play, with Ardron and Evan Olmstead leading from the front. Despite strong resistance from the USA and some well-executed tries from Dominic Besag and Rufus Maclean, Canada pulled away in the final stages.
Coach Stephen Meehan praised his squad, saying:
“The players delivered everything we asked of them. Collectively, we’re really happy with what we’ve achieved.”
USA coach Scott Lawrence admitted discipline was an issue:
“Lineouts and territory are critical in test rugby, and we lost both tonight. That will be our focus moving forward.”
Canada now faces Japan in Sendai, while the USA will regroup before taking on Eddie Jones’s Brave Blossoms in Sacramento.
Tonga Outclass Samoa in Pacific Nations Cup Clash
In Nuku’alofa, Tonga opened their campaign with a commanding 30-16 victory over Samoa, putting themselves in a strong position for Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification.
Tonga started with intensity, racing into a 17-0 lead thanks to tries from Siosuia Moala and Sonatane Takulua, both converted by Patrick Pellegrini. Samoa responded with penalties from AJ Alatimu and a try from Tuna Tuitama, but struggled to match Tonga’s power in the set piece.
Replacement Sam Moli added a decisive score off a rolling maul, securing the win before Samoa managed a late consolation try.
Samoa captain Michael Alaalatoa acknowledged the tough loss:
“You can’t afford to give Tonga a lead like that. It’s too hard to come back.”
Meanwhile, Tonga skipper Ben Tameifuna celebrated the home support:
“It’s been an awesome occasion. The fans gave us amazing energy, and the boys delivered on the field.”
Tonga will next travel to Suva to face Fiji, while Samoa prepares to host the Flying Fijians in Rotorua.
