SAN DIEGO (AP) The United States qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup as the top North American side for the first time after thrashing Canada by a record 52-16 on Saturday.
Canada had won 15 out of 20 qualifiers between the neighbors, but hadn’t beaten the Eagles in four years. The first leg in Hamilton was drawn 28-28 last weekend, and the second leg was close at the University of San Diego until Canada lost its composure while it had momentum.
Because of a no-arms tackle ruling against Canada, it lost a scrum put-in near halfway and had to defend a five-meter lineout instead.