Canada Rugby

Siaki Vikilani has been named in Canadian national team's line-up for this afternoon's clash at Te'ufaiva Park - the first of two Test matches between the two sides.

Vikilani is the son of former Tongan captain Tasi Vikilani, who moved to Canada some years ago.

Today's game is part of the teams Rugby World Cup preparations in Frace which starts next month.

The Tonga Rugby Union said the matches will be building up the side towards the 2023 qualification matches for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The two test matches will be the first matches that Tonga has hosted on home soil since 2017.

These also serve as Tonga’s final warm-up matches for France.

Prior to the two matches, Tonga will be playing against Australia A on July 14 at the Teufaiva Stadium.

The two home test matches against Canada will also be held at the same venue on 10th and 15th August.

The Pacific islanders led 21-10 at the half and withstood a Canadian comeback at Estadio Martins Pereira. Trailing 26-15 with 14 minutes late, the Canadian scored two late tries but missed both conversions and fell just short.

The eight-team World Rugby U20 Trophy is a second-tier youth championship. The tournament winner earns promotion to the 12-team World Rugby U20 Championship won by France last month.

Nick Carson, Reid Davis, Will Mathews and Michael McCarthy scored tries for Canada. Captain Will Percillier added a penalty and a conversion.