SCOTLAND 22 CANADA 10
Mansfield Park, Hawick, Sunday
SCOTLAND claimed their first men’s international win in seven years by beating Canada 22-10 in Hawick.
The Bravehearts have slumped to 27th in the International Rugby League world rankings, losing nine straight games this decade since their last win, against Greece, in a World Cup qualifier in 2019.
They weren’t even eligible to compete for a place at this year’s World Cup having lost IRL full-member status, but coach Adam Houston hailed victory over Canada – ranked two places lower – as an important moment.
“After the disappointment of losing in Las Vegas to USA (in February, 28-20), we were keen to put a few things right,” said Houston.
“Canada are an unconventional side with some big athletes, so we knew we were going to have a physical game.
“I wasn’t very happy at half-time with the way we’d completed in the first half, we spoke about simplifying things and benefitted from that in the second.
“We had five new caps today and it’s an honour and privilege to give players this opportunity.
“Today was our first Scotland men’s home fixture in a long time (since hosting England Knights in Edinburgh ahead of the last World Cup in 2022) and our first win since 2019, and this was a big step forward in us getting back to where we feel we belong.”
Connor Slader, one of the five Bravehearts debutants, scored two tries including the second-minute opener after racing away from 60 metres out.
George Shannon kicked the conversion, although it would prove Scotland’s only successful goal attempt in drizzly conditions.
Canada responded just two minutes later when Nathan Roberts found his way through from dummy-half, Jalen Harrison levelling.
Kieran Moran burrowed over from dummy-half to restore the home side’s lead, then Cameron Cullen further extended the Bravehearts’ advantage to 14-6 just before the break.
Hamish Bentley gave them another fast start to a half following a Joe Lowe break, then Tom Gray burst through a tackle to send centre Slader in for his second, making it 22-6 with half an hour remaining.
Matt Fish narrowed the gap for Canada but the final quarter remained deadlocked.
SCOTLAND: Tom Gray, Cameron Cullen, Connor Slader, Jacob Grierson, Roserutabua Tawanayavulala, George Shannon, Joe Lowe, Connor Terril, Ross Whitmore, Kieran Moran, Gregor Cowan, Hamish Bentley, Oliver Maher. Subs: Ben Morris, Niall Hall, Jordan Duncan, Andrew Brown
Tries: Slader (2, 49), Moran (29), Cullen (34), Bentley (42); Goals: Shannon 1/5, Lowe 0/1
CANADA: Oliver Lenahan, Jalen Harrison, Flynn Murphy, Luka Wicken, Richard Lebel, Toby Horn, Blake Mahovic, Matt Fish, Nathan Roberts, Charles Curran, Augustus Murphy, Jason Chuck, Mitch Talbot. Subs: Jacob Bourne, Jordan Cella, Doug Howard, Michael Snook
Tries: Roberts (4), Fish (57); Goals: Harrison 1/2
Half-time: 14-6; Referee: Denton Arnold