It’s all over for Canada at the Rugby World Cup (at least for another four years) and 2015’s squad has to stomach an 0-and-4 tournament.
The Canadians were blasted by Ireland, edged by Italy, and tripped up by France before a closing defeat to a historic Romanian comeback. It is Canada’s first winless Rugby World Cup since 2007.
Ireland’s Luke Fitzgerald, centre left, and Canada’s Matt Evans compete for the ball during their Rugby World Cup Pool D match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday Sept. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
It’s tricky to boil four games and years of preparation down to a few sentences. Yet, in earnest, Canada was always going to be outmatched against top-10 sides like Ireland and France. When they are not soccer nations these are rugby nations, with very skilled players and on the average, much more experience. Yet, there were periods of both games where Canada was not out of place, where Canada was threatening.
The opportunities lost (and the resulting anguish) were against more similarly-ranked squads such as Italy and Romania. Canada relinquished healthy leads in both games.
“The difference is taking opportunities. It’s a case of learning how to do it; learning how to win, and you have got to go through some hard lessons to learn that. The only problem is we are bloody learning all the time,” said head coach Kieran Crowley, very honestly.
The next big event for Rugby Canada is no question the Rio 2016 Olympics, where the sevens players will debut. The women’s team has qualified and the men have another opportunity before the Games.
Tuesday, October 6 – Canada 15 – 17 Romania
Thursday, October 1 – Canada 18 – 41 France
France’s Mathieu Bastareaud, left, and Canada’s Nick Blevins compete for the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Canada at Milton Keynes, England, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Canada’s Doug Wooldridge looks down after France scores a second try during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Canada at Milton Keynes, England, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Canada’s Phil Mack throws the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Canada at Milton Keynes, England, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
France’s Wesley Fofana and Canada’s Phil Mack compete for the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Canada at Milton Keynes, England, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Saturday, September 26 – Canada 18 – 23 Italy
Italy’s Gonzalo Garcia scores a try during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy and Canada at Elland Road, Leeds, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Canada’s Jamie Mackenzie throws the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy and Canada at Elland Road, Leeds, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Italy’s Martin Castrogiovanni, left, shakes hands with Canada’s Nanyak Dala after their Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Elland Road, Leeds, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. Italy won the match 23-18. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Saturday, September 19 – Canada 7 – 50 Ireland
Ireland’s Sean O’Brien is tackled by Canada’s Jeff Hassler during their Rugby World Cup Pool D match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday Sept. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton runs with the ball to go on to score a try against Canada during their Rugby World Cup Pool D match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday Sept. 19. 2015. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Canada’s captain Jamie Cudmore jumps for the ball during their Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday Sept. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
