Canada Finish 14th in Singapore, The Relegation Scenarios Get Real: MATCH VIDEOS
Canada finished 14th in the tournament, losing the 13th place match to USA. Japan had a good tournament, gaining 5 series points, Canada picked up 2 points. Japan closed the gap on the automatic relegation position to 8 points. If Japan made the Cup round in Toulouse and Canada had one of their 1 point tournaments, they’ve had 2 so far this year, Japan could make the relegation tournament and send Canada to automatic relegation. Based on tournament results so far it’s unlikely, Japan are in a pool with Samoa, Australia and Ireland in Toulouse.
Canada are mathematically eliminated from taking 11th place, the last safe spot to avoid the relegation tournament. The question remains now who will join Canada in the relegation tournament, Kenya looks likely, either Spain or Uruguay, and one other team not on the series. Germany is the invitational team in Toulouse, Hong Kong are a possibility, Tonga may be the biggest threat, they were invited to two tournaments this season and finished ahead of Canada in both.
Canada are in a pool with NZ, Uruguay and Kenya in Toulouse. Spain are in with Argentina, Great Britain and Germany. If Uruguay defeat Canada and Kenya in their pool, they’re likely through to core status next season. If Canada defeat Uruguay and Spain can beat Great Britain, then Spain would advance and Canada would meet Uruguay in the relegation tournament.
The question now is who will coaches pick to send to Toulouse and London in May? It has to be Canada’s best team, the experimenting is over. It’s likely Jake Thiel would return to the team, Phil Berna would be a sure pick, Josiah Morra, Thomas Isherwood, Matt Oworu, Lockie Kratz would seem certainties. Max Stewart looked good in Singapore. It’s going to be a tough choice with the future of the Canada 7s program in the balance.
USA 22 – Canada 17
Canada 26 – Hong Kong 5
Kenya 28 – Canada 14
Samoa 39 – Canada 7
Canada 21 – Spain 7
Fiji 21 – Canada 12
Relegation Picture (11th remains core team, 12-14 enter relegation tournament, 15 automatic relegation)
11 Uruguay 49
12 Spain 48
13 Kenya 37
14 Canada 24
15 Japan 16
*Canada 1-2 on Day 1: Face Kenya in 9th Place Quarter-Final on Day 2: MATCH VIDEOS*
Canada went 1-2 on Day 1 of the Singapore 7s, defeating Spain but losing to Fiji and Samoa. The result puts them in the 9th place playoff vs Kenya on Day 2. That match will be on at 7:50pm tonight.
The result puts Canada’s hopes of catching Spain and Uruguay for 11th place, and exemption from the relegation tournament, to rest. Canada are almost certainly heading for the relegation tournament in London. Canada were 18 points away from Spain in 11th and 17 points from Uruguay in 12th. Uruguay made the Cup quarter final this tournament so will get 10 points even if they lose their remaining games. Spain, Kenya and Canada are all in the Challenge round, one of the teams may get 8 points if they win all their remaining games but with South Africa, Ireland and USA also in the Challenge round, it’s looking unlikely. Uruguay for certain will be back in 11th place after Singapore.
Canada had a chance to take down Fiji in their first match but a few key missed tackles proved costly. Canada’s win over Spain was a good sign as they’ll likely meet again in the relegation tournament. Canada were thumped by Samoa in their final match of Day 1.
Fiji 21 – Canada 12
Canada 21 – Spain 7
Samoa 39 – Canada 7
1. Anton Ngongo (Victoria, BC) Castaway Wanderers
4. Phil Berna (Vancouver, BC) Vancouver Rowing Club
5. Alex Russell (Chichester, ENG) McGill University
6. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) Castaway Wanderers / Toronto Saracens
10. Brennig Prevost (Victoria, BC) Castaway Wanderers
12. David Richard (Milton, ON) Mississauga Blues RFC
19. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) Pacific Pride
21. Max Stewart (Cape Town, RSA) Pacific Pride
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) Foothills Lions RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) Peterborough Pagans / Trent University
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) Castaway Wanderers / NOLA Gold
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) Bytown Blues
77. Will Percillier (Bordeaux, FRA) Rugby Club Vannes