Canada’s Rugby Sevens Team Faces Challenges in São Paulo, Eyes World Championship Qualification
The Canadian men’s sevens team concluded the first day of competition at HSBC SVNS 2 São Paulo with defeats against Uruguay, the United States, and Kenya. Despite the setbacks, the team remains focused on qualifying for the HSBC SVNS Championships and the World Rugby Sevens Championship.
A Tough First Day in Brazil
Thomas Isherwood reached a milestone, making his 40th HSBC SVNS tournament appearance. However, the team struggled to secure wins on the opening day. The close 22-24 loss to Uruguay highlighted areas for improvement, while the matches against the United States (12-26) and Kenya (0-40) presented significant challenges.
The match against Uruguay was particularly tight, with Canada narrowly missing a chance to force overtime due to a missed conversion. Ian Jones scored two tries in that game, demonstrating individual brilliance, but the team couldn’t capitalize on opportunities.
The Road to the World Championships
The HSBC SVNS Series Division 2 operates on a round-robin format with five matches. The overall points accumulated across three stages – Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo – will determine the top four teams that advance to the HSBC SVNS Championships. These Championships will be held in Hong Kong (April 17-19), Valladolid (May 29-31), and Bordeaux (June 5-7), culminating in the crowning of the world champions.
Sunday’s Matches: A Chance for Redemption
Canada will face Germany at 7:22 AM local time / 10:22 AM Eastern Time, followed by a match against Belgium at 10:12 AM local time / 13:12 HE on Sunday, March 29th. These matches are crucial for the team’s chances of progressing in the tournament and securing a spot in the HSBC SVNS Championships.
Team Roster for São Paulo
The Canadian team in São Paulo includes:
- Ethan Turner
- Johnny Franklin
- Adam Doane
- Brenden Black
- D’Shawn Bowen
- Morgan Di Nardo
- Kyle Tremblay
- Thomas Isherwood
- Ian Jones
- Lockie Kratz
- Jack Shaw
- Andy Cooper
Where to Watch
All of Canada’s matches from HSBC SVNS 2 in São Paulo are being broadcast live on TSN+.
Current Standings at HSBC SVNS 2 São Paulo
- Belgium (9)
- Kenya (7)
- Uruguay (7)
- United States (6)
- Germany (1)
- Canada (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is HSBC SVNS?
- HSBC SVNS is a global rugby sevens series featuring some of the world’s best teams.
- How does qualification for the World Championships work?
- The top four teams from the HSBC SVNS Series Division 2 will qualify for the HSBC SVNS Championships.
- Where can I watch the matches?
- Matches are available live on TSN+.
Pro Tip: Keep up-to-date with the latest scores and schedules on the official SVNS website.
Stay tuned for updates on Canada’s performance throughout the HSBC SVNS 2 São Paulo tournament. Share your thoughts on the team’s progress in the comments below!
