Canada vs Scotland Men's Rugby Game Recap: July 6, 2024
- Sam Adams
- Jul 9, 2024
- 3 min read
The Canada vs Scotland men's rugby match on July 6, 2024, at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa was a significant event, marking Canada's return to home soil for the first time since 2022. Despite a spirited start, Canada faced a formidable Scottish side that ultimately dominated the game, securing a 73-12 victory and retaining the Douglas JL Horn Memorial Cup.
Match Overview
Final Score: Canada 12 - 73 Scotland
Half-Time Score: Canada 5 - 24 Scotland
Venue: TD Place Stadium, Ottawa
Referee: Adam Leal
Attendance: 11,447 (largest crowd for an international test match at TD Place)
Scoring Summary
First Half:
5': Canada took an early lead with a try by captain Lucas Rumball, but the conversion was missed by Peter Nelson (Canada 5 - 0 Scotland).
10' - 31': Scotland responded robustly with tries from Josh Bayliss, Dylan Richardson (twice), and Arron Reed, along with conversions by Ross Thompson, bringing the half-time score to 24-5 in favor of Scotland.
Second Half:
45' - 83': Scotland continued their dominance with additional tries from Fergus Warr (twice), Harry Paterson, Jamie Dobie, Stafford McDowall, and Kyle Steyn. Ben Healy and Ross Thompson successfully converted multiple tries, sealing the final score at 73-12.
Key Players and Performances
Canada:
Lucas Rumball: Scored the opening try for Canada.
Kyle Baillie: Added another try in the second half.
Peter Nelson: Successfully converted Baillie's try.
Scotland:
Dylan Richardson: Scored two tries early in the match.
Fergus Warr: Added two tries in the second half.
Ben Healy and Ross Thompson: Contributed significantly with conversions, ensuring Scotland's points tally kept climbing.
Game Highlights
Canada's Early Lead: Canada started strong with a well-executed lineout leading to Rumball's try.
Scotland's Swift Response: Scotland quickly countered and took control of the game, showcasing their depth and skill.
New Caps for Canada: Six Canadian players earned their first caps, including Nic Benn, who started at left wing, and Takoda McMullin, who became the 500th men's player to represent Canada.
Post-Match Reactions
Canada's head coach, Kingsley Jones, acknowledged the team's challenges but highlighted the positives, particularly the performance of new players and the team's initial control of possession. He emphasized the need for improvement in set pieces and defense as the team prepares for their next match against Romania on July 12, 2024.
Douglas JL Horn Memorial Cup
The Douglas JL Horn Memorial Cup, established in 2008, is contested whenever Canada and Scotland meet in rugby. Named in honor of Douglas Horn, a former Scottish rugby player and father of Alan Horn, a significant supporter of Canadian rugby, the trophy symbolizes the long-standing relationship between the two nations in the sport. Scotland's victory on July 6, 2024, marked their continued dominance, having held the cup since its inception.
Looking Ahead
Canada will aim to regroup and address the areas of concern identified in this match. The upcoming game against Romania provides an opportunity for the team to build on their strengths and rectify their weaknesses.
Conclusion
The match was a testament to Scotland's rugby prowess and depth, as they executed a comprehensive game plan to secure a decisive victory. For Canada, the game was a learning experience, highlighting both the potential within the squad and the areas needing improvement. The large and enthusiastic crowd at TD Place Stadium underscored the growing support for rugby in Canada, setting the stage for future international fixtures. This comprehensive recap captures the essence of the Canada vs Scotland men's rugby game, providing detailed insights into the match's key moments, player performances, and future implications for both teams.
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