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John Moonlight, who led the team out in honour of his 53rd tournament appearance, a Canadian record, scored the game’s first try, powering through the South African defence. But given an inch, South Africa will take the whole store. In this case that meant four well-taken tries. The Canadians played well, but against a deep opponent, you can’t afford mistakes.

The loss in the opener meant Canada needed a win over Wales to have any hope of snatching the second cup quarterfinals qualifying spot; they’d still need a win Saturday when they close out the group against France.

They got the job done. It was a searing encounter, with both teams laying in big hits and rucking with power.

Canada opened the scoring on a brilliant solo effort by Nate Hirayama, moments after teammate Pat Kay was sent to the sin bin. A pass off a Canadian lineout found Hirayama in space, and a side step found him clear, even though the Canadians were down a man to the Welsh.

With Kay still in the bin, Wales eventually found a gap and levelled the scores. But Canada were humming with ball in hand.

They took the lead into the half time break after a wonderful cross-field kick-pass by Kay found Mike Fuailefau, who drew a defender before putting a nice pass in the hands of a streaking Justin Douglas.

The see-saw battle continued in the second half with Wales striking first. Captain Sam Cross blasted clear for a try, nudging his team into a 14-12 lead.

Canada scored on their next possession. Wales threw some big hits but couldn’t dislodge Canada from possession. Eventually Hirayama and Phil Berna, back in the lineup after missing two tournaments with a broken elbow, found themselves out on the right. Berna manhandled the attempted Welsh tackle before making a spectacular dive for the line and the try. Hirayama missed the extras; Canada led by the slimmest of margins 17-14.