February 13, 2016 - 11:26 PM
AUSTIN, Texas - Canada failed to qualify for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy on Saturday after falling 19-18 to the United States.
The Canadian squad needed a victory to move on to the second-tier world U20 championship, with promotion to the elite World Rugby U20 tournament on the line, but Ben Cima spoiled the opportunity when he scored his fourth penalty of the match in the 80th minute to put the Americans ahead for good.
Canada had taken an 18-16 lead in 76th minute when fly half Robbie Povey’s penalty flew between the sticks, but couldn't hold on.
Trenton Cooper and Peter Milazzo had tries for the Canadians while Povey had two penalties and a conversion.
Lorenzo Thomas had the lone try for the U.S., with Cima adding a conversion to his four penalties.
The U.S. join hosts Zimbabwe, Fiji, Namibia, Spain, Hong Kong, Uruguay and Samoa in Harare at the April 19-May 1 tournament.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016