Argentina & Canada Seize Opening Wins at the Classic
IslandStats.com
The World Rugby Classic kicked off with a bang at the National Sports Center, delivering two contrasting yet thrilling contests. Classic Argentina secured a dominant shutout victory over Classic Italy, while Classic Canada edged out a hard-fought win against the Classic Lions in the day's second fixture.
Classic Argentina 12 Classic Italy 0
Classic Argentina emerged victorious in the opening game, defeating Classic Italy with a final score of 12-0.
The match was a testament to the strong defense of the Argentine side. Despite a spirited effort from the Italian squad, who applied sustained pressure, they found the Argentinian defence to be an unbreakable wall. Argentina's disciplined and tenacious performance saw them hold off a strong Italian attack for the full duration of the game.
The scores came via Argentina's attacking efforts, giving them the necessary points to claim the 12-0 shutout victory and pick up the first win of the Classic. The result immediately sets a benchmark for defensive solidity in the tournament.
Classic Canada 24 Classic Lions 19
The day's second game provided a much closer affair, with Classic Canada ultimately prevailing over the Classic Lions with a score of 24-19.
Canada, who made it to the final of the Classic last year only to lose, started their campaign with intent. They swiftly established a lead with a penalty, followed by a try and a conversion, racing ahead to 10-0.
However, the Classic Lions quickly demonstrated their fighting spirit. They roared back into the contest with a try and a conversion just before the half, narrowing the gap to 10-7. But the momentum swung back to Canada as they managed to steal the ball and run it in for a try and a conversion, taking a significant 17-7 lead into the half-time break.
The second half witnessed a spectacular comeback from the Lions. They scored two quick tries and conversions, overturning the deficit to take a narrow 19-17 lead, setting up a nail-biting finale.
In a dramatic conclusion, it was Classic Canada who had the final say. They demonstrated composure under pressure, scoring a decisive try and conversion late in the game to reclaim the lead and seal a hard-fought 24-19 victory. The win is a crucial starting point for Canada as they look to go one better than their runners-up finish last year.
