CANADA A snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as flanker Alistair Clark scored after full time giving them a 28-26 victory over Samoa A.
The victory was sweet revenge for Canada as they had lost the earlier encounter and finished third in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge.
It was Samoa who broke the deadlock with a penalty, however, the Canadians replied with a try under the posts to flyhalf Liam Underwood.
Samoa managed two extra penalty kicks compared with Canadas one. Just before half time, Samoan captain and hooker Andrew Williams dived for a try to go to the break with a 21-13 lead.
Canada drew blood first in the second spell with a penalty and levelled terms 21-all thrugh an unconverted try to flanker Ray Barkwill.
The Samoan captain again rose to the occasion as he scored his second for the game to lead 26-21.
Possession in the dying stages to Canada saw them relentlessly attack the Samoa tryline and were awarded as Clark bulldozed his way through to score under the posts.
Canadian captain Ciaran Hearn said the victory would be savoured as it was hard earned.
“It was a tough game and right down to the wire. Samoa pushed us right to the very end and they were really good on counter attacks and with space. They disrupted our game plan but our guys dug very deep, not too many people can pull off such a win,” he said.
Hearn added some of the players including himself would be flying out to Hong Kong for the sevens and they would just rest and recharge their batteries.
Samoa captain Andrew Williams said it was just not their day and they were disappointed but promised a turnaround performance next time.
