In his pre Nations Cup press conference, Pablo Bourza insisted there was still time for Spanish players to earn themselves a ticket to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. However, some players might be in danger of missing the flight after a 42 all draw with Canada in Edmonton.
When Tani Bay hit a 50/22 within two minutes , followed by a beautifully flighted kick by French based Gonzalo López-Bontempo for the easy try for Alberto Carmona, it was the perfect start. Everything about the move was controlled, though it was not the Spanish attack but defence that would be their downfall.
A total of 14 penalties were given away by Spain, double the amount of Canada. By consistently finding themselves on the wrong side of the whistle they invited pressure on themselves and Canada were competent enough to take advantage. This itself would be the story of the game, a Canada side confident enough to go through phases, with possession granted to them via penalties and impressive post contact metres. Meanwhile, Spain´s best moments were largely a result of open play strike moves from deep rather than sustained pressure.
Wasteful Spain let Canada hang on
Everytime Spain had Canada pinned in their half , Spain would give up a pen and Canada learned to keep possession and let Spain beat themselves. A crucial ten minute period before half time, where Spain failed to find touch on two penalties and then a lost lineout, let Canada hang around and grow in confidence. Both sides would trade tries until it was 21-21 at half time.
It was groundhog day as Spain would start immediately with a try, thanks to another line breaking run from Martiniano Cian, who was a bright spot for Spain. Canada would strike back then pull ahead in the 60th minute with what had become a running theme. Spanish penalty, maul via line-out for Canada and try.
Spain scored quickly back to back and looked like they had stolen it but in a move which summed up their defence, Spain would go from scoring in the 78th minute to letting Canada´s Kyle Tremblay get over the line in the 81st. Instead of making it a tough kick to equalise, Spain let him waltz under the sticks for the easiest of conversions.
Did Canada deserve to lose? Maybe not. Did Spain deserve to win? No.
Nations Cup : Spain vs Tonga
There were some plus points for Spain, a rolling maul that offensively found joy, the open play threat from Martiniano Cian but the penalty county is simply not acceptable against a team Spain need to beat comprehensively in next year´s Rugby World Cup. Spain fall in the World Rankings to 20th but will have a chance to make amends against Tonga, who overcame Zimbabwe in their first Nations Cup game.
Not since Georgia away, three games ago, have Spain put in what can be considered a good performance against credible opposition. There´s still time, but it is running out to stop a blip becoming a worrying trend.
Nations Cup games are available to watch on RugbyPassTV
Photos used with express permission of FER and MetinMadrid claims no ownership of photos.
Listen to our latest Spanish Rugby Podcast below.
