Final World Cup berth secured
Canada will face reigning champions New Zealand and South Africa at next year's Rugby World Cup after beating Hong Kong to secure the final place at the event.
Hong Kong, seeking to compete in their maiden World Cup, needed to not only triumph against Canada in the final match of the repechage event on Friday, but also secure a bonus point and prevent their opponents from getting one.
That never looked likely as Canada triumphed 27-10 at Marseille's Stade Delort, sealing a place alongside the All Blacks, Springboks, Italy and Namibia in Pool B.
DTH van der Merwe, the Canucks' all-time record try-scorer, claimed two of his side's three five-pointers.
The Canucks have yet to miss a Rugby World Cup, featuring in all eight previous editions of the event.
They will begin their 2019 campaign against Italy in Fukuoka on September 26.
Learn more about Fukuoka here with our exclusive city guide:
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Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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