Team Canada took on Spain in their first Rugby Nations World Cup game on July 4th (Photo Credits- Jackson Fontaine)
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team began its World Rugby Nations Cup campaign with a closely contested draw against Spain, finishing 42-42. The match sparked to life in the 3rd minute when Spain’s fly-half, Gonzalo Lopez, executed a cross-kick to Alberto Carmona, opening the scoring. Lopez then successfully converted from a difficult angle, giving Spain an early lead of 7-0. Canada responded in the 8th minute with a relentless driving effort near the 5-meter line. After being initially held up, Canada opted for a quick tap-and-go, which allowed Mason Flesch to break through the Spanish defense for a try. Peter Nelson calmly slotted the conversion, leveling the score at 7-7. The game remained competitive, and at halftime, the score was 21-21.
The teams continued to trade scores, and with 11 minutes left on the clock, Spain intercepted a pass, with Kerman Aurrekoetxea sprinting the length of the field to score, reclaiming a 42-35 lead.
Canada held strong despite the time running out. In the final seconds of the match, they executed a beautiful team try, with Kyle Tremblay placing the ball just outside the uprights for his first career try. McMullin, now bearing the weight of the match on his shoulders, remained calm and collected under immense pressure. He successfully converted the try, securing a hard-fought draw for the Canadians on the final play. The Canadians will play their next game on July 11 at Clarke Stadium against Portugal.
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