 England's Pat Sanderson is tagged by Derek Daypuck |
England booked their place in the Churchill Cup final with a 29-5 victory over Canada in Edmonton but it was an unconvincing display. Paul Sackey, Sam Vesty, Tom Voyce, James Simpson-Daniel and Pat Sanderson all scored tries to set-up a tournament decider against Argentina.
However, the hosts could have scored more than their one try and coach Joe Lydon has plenty to ponder.
The Pumas edged past USA Eagles 34-30 earlier in the day.
Lydon's starting line-up contained five capped internationals but they found it hard work against the feisty hosts.
Number eight Aaron Carpenter ran in Canada's solitary try but Ric Suggitt's largely amateur side could have crossed for two more had they shown a little more composure.
England were hampered by their indiscipline and were reduced to 13 men at one point of the second half with the disappointing Andy Goode and Louis Deacon both sinbinned for fighting.
They looked set for a simple second half after leading 12-0 at the interval, but the Canucks' expected collapse never materialised.
Winger Francisco Leonelli was Argentina's hero with his injury-time try sealing an entertaining and well-matched contest against the USA. Eagles full-back Francois Viljoen's 76th-minute penalty had appeared enough to seal a shock win, but the Pumas pounced in the last play of the match.
MMIX
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