Canada upset USA in Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 opener

A sea of red descended on sunny McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Canada, as the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 kicked off with the Canadians hosting the USA.

Canada captain Tyler Ardron was the best on park in the match, scoring four tries as his side claimed their first win over the USA in six years.

The USA were caught overeager twice in the opening minutes, with a lineout penalty and a knock-on contributing to some Canadian momentum. The hosts’ carry game was powerful, and just two minutes into his return, Tyler Ardron claimed the opening try of the tournament.

Play restarted, and the Americans appeared to have composed themselves. They hit back swiftly, with Dominic Besag running a direct line just one phase after a lineout to crash over the line.

Canada looked at their best with the ball in hand, but struggled to contain their southern neighbours after surrendering possession. The USA had their second try in the 16th minute courtesy of a cross-field kick collected by Rufus McLean.

Canada’s influential captain was back on the scorer’s sheet in the 20th minute, and again in the 37th, keeping his side’s dreams of a win within reach as the USA added points via the boot of AJ MacGinty.

Halftime saw scores tied at 17 apiece, and established the USA’s scrum as superior while their lineout operated at just 50 per cent. Canada operated at nearly 60 per cent territory and possession.

The second half began with the teams exchanging penalty kicks, and the Canadian team started to find their attacking rhythm.

The Americans were asked to make more and more tackles, and their discipline was tested. Canada looked inspired behind their talismanic leader, and who else but Ardron to claim another five-pointer to put his side in the lead.

Canada sniper Peter Nelson then added to his points tally, this time with a try after chasing a chip kick, and pushed the hosts’ lead to 14.

Things got worse for the USA when MacGinty was handed a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown as Canada threatened out wide once again.

Down a man for 10 of the final 15 minutes, the USA tried to string phases together and fight their way back into the Test, but Canada resisted. After 80 minutes, Canada had secured a 14-point win, taking one major step towards Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification.