Canada Defeat Zimbabwe 23-19: Peter Nelson Scores 13 from the Boot
It was a game that saw both teams score off opposition mistakes, Zimbabwe outscored Canada three tries to two but Peter Nelson’s boot was the difference for Canada. He was selected as player of the match. It was the first win under Meehan without Tyler Ardron in the roster but it was far from convincing. Canada led at the half 16-0 with three penalty kicks and a converted try. The try came at the half time whistle, Zimbabwe overthrew their lineout and Noah Flesch whipped the loose ball out to Cooper Coats on the outside who booted it down field. The Canadian chase caught up with the Zimbabwe defender and Canada won a penalty, a quick tap and chip kick by Nelson out to Mason Flesch on the wing saw the big man score the first try. The other Canadian try came at the 58′ mark when a Zimbabwe pass inside their 22 went to ground, Izzak Kelly picked it up and drove to the line, next phase saw Cali Martinez dive over. It was 23-7 for Canada with 20 minutes left and it appeared that Canada would finally impose themselves and drive the score up. That didn’t happen, Rumball went off with a HIA, subs came on and Zimbabwe scored two tries to make it a nail biting finish.
