Canada's Lucas Rumball (8) runs with the ball as Romania's Alin Conache (9) tries to tackle him during the first half of men's rugby action in Ottawa on July 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle
Canada has dropped one place to No. 23 in the World Rugby rankings after a 35-27 loss to Romania in Bucharest on Saturday.
The Canadian men were replaced at No. 22 by Hong Kong, which defeated visiting Brazil 38-17 on Sunday.
Romania was unchanged at No. 20 while Brazil fell two spots to No. 28.
South Africa remained No. 1 with Ireland replacing New Zealand at No. 2. The All Blacks slipped to No. 3 after their 30-29 weekend loss at No. 4 France.
South Africa beat No. 7 England 29-20 while Ireland downed No. 5 Argentina 22-19.
The United States continued its climb, moving up to No. 15 after dispatching Tonga 36-12. The Pacific Islanders. who started the month in 16th place, fell to No. 19, replaced at No. 18 by Uruguay.
The Canadians put on a far better show against Romania than a week earlier in a 44-14 loss to No. 21 Chile, also at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf. But Canada’s effort fell short with several late attacks fizzling due to a handling error or penalty.
The final test of the year proved to be a fifth straight defeat for Canada, which has won just two of its last 12 outings.
Captain Lucas Rumball and Siôn Parry scored tries for Canada, which was also awarded a penalty try. Peter Nelson kicked two penalties and two conversions.
The Canadian men finished the year with a 1-6-0 record.
Canada coach Kingsley Jones is preparing his young side for World Cup qualifying, which starts next year via the Pacific Nations Cup. He gave three players their debut off the bench Saturday with two others making their first start.
The loss to Chile was the first meeting between the two since October 2021, when the South Americans ended the Canada’s qualification bid for the 2023 World Cup with a 54-46 aggregate victory in their two-legged series.
The Canadian women are ranked second in the world behind England.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024
