Canada overturn 10-point deficit to demolish Hong Kong China 38-17 in Nations Cup

Canada produced a dominant second-half display to beat Hong Kong China 38-17 in the World Rugby Nations Cup, overturning a 10-0 deficit to record their most convincing victory of the 2026 international season.

The result improves Canada’s Nations Cup record to 2-2-1 in Pool B, though USA have already secured top spot with one round remaining. For Hong Kong China, the defeat comes with a consolation: they have confirmed their place at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Canada’s task was made harder when outside centre Isaac Olsen was shown a yellow card in the first half, reducing them to 14 men. Hong Kong China capitalised, building a 10-0 lead before winger Nic Benn pulled one back for the North Americans. Just five points separated the sides at the interval, and Hong Kong China struck first again after the restart — but that was the last time they would score.

Utility back Takoda McMullin was the standout performer in the second half as Canada turned the screw. A penalty try and a yellow card for Hong Kong China backrower Josh Hrstich around the 50-minute mark swung the momentum decisively. Tries from Spencer Jones, Sam Miller and McMullin completed the rout, with Canada finishing the game with 71 per cent possession in the final ten minutes.

First-time Canada captain Ben LeSage, reflecting on a performance that followed a 45-point loss to Georgia, credited a return to fundamentals for the turnaround. “We work really hard and we play to earn victories on the weekend. It felt like last weekend’s performance, especially the second half, wasn’t reflective of us as a team,” he said.

“To come out today, to have a really tough first 20 minutes — Hong Kong [China] really battled against us, kudos to them. The second half, you finally saw the type of rugby we’re trying to play and a bit of confidence. Really proud of the guys.”

LeSage pointed to discipline at the breakdown as the key tactical shift. “We had to play quick ball. We had to take care of the ball in the ruck. We wanted to get fast ball and we wanted to put the ball in behind a bit and play in the right areas of the field. You saw it start to come to fruition in the second half.”

Canada’s Nations Cup campaign concludes next weekend against Romania.