Canada beat Hong Kong to final RWC 2019 berth

Canada will face reigning champions New Zealand and South Africa at next year’s Rugby World Cup after beating Hong Kong to secure the final place at the event.

Hong Kong, seeking to compete in their maiden World Cup, needed to not only triumph against Canada in the final match of the repechage event on Friday, but also secure a bonus point and prevent their opponents from getting one.

That never looked likely as Canada triumphed 27-10 at Marseille’s Stade Delort, sealing a place alongside the All Blacks, Springboks, Italy and Namibia in Pool B.

DTH van der Merwe, the Canucks’ all-time record try-scorer, claimed two of his side’s three five-pointers.

Dear @AllBlacks, @Springboks, @Federugby & @RugbyNamibia:

Thanks for your patience. We’ll see you in Pool B next year in Japan for @rugbyworldcup! #RWC2019 #RugbyCA pic.twitter.com/XmSnHUFBAK

— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) November 23, 2018

The Canucks have yet to miss a Rugby World Cup, featuring in all eight previous editions of the event.

They will begin their 2019 campaign against Italy in Fukuoka on September 26.

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