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You can’t go home again, they often say.

The first edition of the Canada Sevens in 2016 was a grand event. It surprised. It impressed. It delighted. Delivering the same glitter in Year 2 was a big task — and it’s safe to say “mission accomplished.”

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Canadian fans brought energy to every Canadian game. Even the tense 15-14 loss to New Zealandon Saturday to close out the day had that vibe, even if the real final was still a day away, the players said.

“It makes it a very special tournament,” England captain Tom Mitchell said of the loud and proud scene in the stands. “They cheer for everyone as well, it’s an amazing experience.”

Photo by DON MACKINNON / AFP/Getty Images

So sure, the Canadians were two and done on Day 2, missing out on the drama of a placement final like they did last year. They didn’t get a dramatic final win. But, in the big picture, they showed how close they’re to breaking back into the big time.

“It’s disappointing we couldn’t put on more of a show for the fans,” Canada captain Harry Jones said after their 12-5 loss to Argentina in the fifth-place, playoff semifinal. “But for rugby in Canada, this is unbelievable: to pack the house, for two days, playing rugby, not the Canucks, not the B.C. Lions, not the Whitecaps, this is rugby, Canadian rugby, a lot of red out there. This is for the kids that are out there as well, because we need that grassroots to start growing because in five, 10 years, those are the kids who are going to be playing.”