Fiji scores five tries to beat Canada 47-18 in Rugby World Cup warm-up

LONDON – DTH van der Merwe scored two tries but it wasn’t enough as Canada fell 47-18 to Fiji in its final warm-up before the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

Conor Trainor added another try for the Canadians, who got a late brace from Phil Mackenzie and penalty from Gordon McRorie.

“We just weren’t clinical,” Canada’s head coach Kieran Crowley said. “Pass mark for the second half but the first half was pretty poor really.”

Crowley made 13 changes to his lineup while trying to use his entire squad before the Canadians open the World Cup on Sept. 19 against No. 2 Ireland in Cardiff.

Scrumhalf Niko Matawalu and winger Waisea Nayacalevu both scored two tries and Metuisela Talebula added another for Fiji. The game was played at The Stoop in southwest London, a few hundred meters away from Twickenham where the World Cup begins with England-Fiji.

Giant winger Nemani Nadolo was flawless off the kicking tee, slotting 22 points for Fiji.

Fiji is ranked ninth in the world, compared to No. 18 for Canada.

“We’ve still got a bit of work to do on the way we’re trying to play the game,” Crowley said. “We’ve given everyone a go in the lead-up games. We’re happy with where we are at. There’s some work to do but we’re getting there.”

Notes: van der Merwe’s two tries earned him sole possession of third all-time on Canada’s try scoring list.

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With files from The Associated Press

Note to readers: This is corrected story. A previous version had DTH van der Merwe’s name spelt wrong per a team release