Share

Scotland battle past Canada

Toronto - Captain Greig Laidlaw kicked a late penalty to give Scotland a far from convincing 19-17 victory over 14-man Canada in Toronto.

The victory gave new coach Vern Cotter his second win since he took charge of the side following the conclusion of the French club season. The Scots beat the United States 24-6 last week in Houston in the New Zealander's first match in charge.

The Canadians had taken a 17-16 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining only to give away a penalty straight from the restart that allowed Laidlaw to slot the winning kick.

The hosts had the opportunity to win the match when they were awarded a kickable penalty only for referee Mike Fraser to ask for a review of an incident that floored Scotland's replacement flyhalf Ruaridh Jackson.

Television replays showed loose forward Jebb Sinclair had hit Jackson with his elbow. He was shown a red card while the penalty was also reversed.

Laidlaw ended with 11 points, having kicked three penalties and converted lock Grant Gilchrist's first international try.

Fullback Stuart Hogg also slotted a long-range penalty for the visitors while Canada fullback James Pritchard kicked four penalties for the home side and Jeff Hassler scored a first-half try.

Scotland now travel to Argentina for a test against the Pumas in Cordoba and finish their tour with a match against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth on June 28.

In Apia, Samoa flyhalf Tusi Pisi kicked five penalties to give his side a 15-0 win over Italy, while Fiji hammered Tonga 45-17 in their Pacific Nations Cup clash in Lautoka.

Wingers Watisoni Votu and Sireli Bobo scored two tries each in the six-try rout of the Tongans with Nemani Nadolo slotting six conversions and a penalty to go with his own try.

Japan remained unbeaten in the PNC with a composed 37-29 victory over the U.S. in Carson with fullback Ayumu Goromaru slotting 17 points from three penalties and converting all four of Japan's tries.

Number eight Ryu Koliniasi Holani scored two tries while scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka and winger Akihito Yamada added the others to give the Brave Blossoms a bonus-point victory.

Eagles winger Blaine Scully helped his side to at least a bonus point in the tight game, scoring three of the team's four tries. Number eight Cam Dolan scored the other try.

Japan lead the PNC on nine points having recorded two wins from their two games.

Scorers:

Scotland
Try: Grant Gilchrist
Conversion: Greig Laidlaw
Penalties: Laidlaw (3), Stuart Hogg

Canada
Try: Jeff Hassler
Penalties: James Pritchard (3), Harry Jones

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE