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Rugby World Cup returnees complete clean sweep of North America
Canada and Spain went down to the wire in Edmonton, with the European visitors snatching a one-point win after the clock had gone red – Gonzalo López Bontempo nailing a penalty to seal a 24–23 victory for the Leones at Clarke Stadium.
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It was Bontempo who opened the scoring too, slotting an early penalty to put Spain in front. Canada fullback Peter Nelson responded ten minutes later, landing two penalties of his own to edge the hosts into a three-point lead heading into the final quarter of the first half.
With neither side dominating at the set-piece, Spain had to work hard to break into Canada’s 22. Eventually, they found a way through. With Biarritz Olympique scrum-half Kerman Aurrekoetxea pulling the strings, the Leones pieced together a superb team move that ended with Pau Aira diving over in the corner.
Bontempo missed the conversion but would redeem himself with a late penalty to send Spain into the break 11–6 ahead.
The home crowd were given something to cheer early in the second half as Canada mounted a stirring comeback. Number eight Matthew Oworu powered over for two tries in the space of 15 minutes, both converted by Nelson.
But Canada’s momentum stalled when Cali Martinez was shown a yellow card, and Spain seized the opportunity. A string of maul drives eventually earned them a penalty try, bringing the sides level.
Nelson nudged Canada back in front with another penalty, but discipline again cost the hosts. With Canada repeatedly infringing, Bontempo stepped up to land two late penalties—the final one a nerveless strike from the touchline – to snatch the win.
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Spain wrapped up their North American tour unbeaten, while Canada head into the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup still searching for a first win.
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