The England Saxons were too good for Canada in the final of the Churchill Cup as they came out 38-18 winners at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey this past weekend.
It was the fifth title for the Saxons as Canada, who had impressed earlier by beating France A and made a comeback after being 17-0 down, were no match for the experience and talent of the English players.
Nick Abendanon, Alex Goode, Jon Clarke, and Luke Narraway all scored tries for the Saxons, with flyhalf Stephen Myler kicking 18 points with the boot.
“This is my third Churchill Cup and my first win,” said Narraway “Last year against Ireland we had a similar talented squad but something obviously didn’t work. Full credit to the lads, they have worked hard and we played some exciting football and it was great to be a part of.
“We took the foot off the pedal, but all credit to Canada. They are a real good side. They came back at us, but we had enough talent and energy in the tank to win the game,” he added.
Canada got within touching distance by pulling back the score with tries through Ryan Smith, Matt Evans and Chauncey O’Toole. It was the English side who came away comfortable winners in the end though.
“It’s a fantastic achievement,” coach Stuart Lancaster said “Three weeks ago we met in a Heathrow hotel with disappointed players not making the senior tour and young players who came in straight from the Guinness Premiership and collectively to put all that together and form a team is great. I’m really proud.”
Time:
04:12
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