Classic Lions outgun Canada in 10-try Thriller to Stay Unbeaten
IslandStats.com
The Classic Lions maintained their unblemished record at the 2026 World Rugby Classic after seeing off a spirited second-half fightback from Classic Canada to claim a thrilling 38-25 victory at the National Sports Centre North Field.
With both sides putting their unbeaten tournament records on the line in the headline Day Four clash, the Lions produced a clinical attacking display to run in six tries and move to the brink of overall tournament glory.
The Lions drew first blood in front of a lively Devonshire crowd, crossing early and adding the conversion to take a 7-0 lead.
Canada settled into the contest via the boot, slotting two well-struck penalties to narrow the deficit to a single point at 7-6. However, the Lions shifted through the gears before the interval, running in an unconverted try to stretch their advantage to 12-6 before adding a third converted score on the stroke of half-time to take a commanding 19-6 cushion into the break.
Any hopes of a quick Canadian turnaround were seemingly extinguished moments after the restart when the Lions crossed again and converted to open up a 26-6 lead.
To their credit, the Canadians refused to fold. A converted try pulled them back to 26-13, only for the Lions to immediately hit back with another seven-pointer to restore their 20-point advantage at 33-13.
Canada then mounted a furious late rally, striking twice in quick succession—converting the first to make it 33-20 before an unconverted effort brought them within eight points at 33-25 to set up a tense finale.
Needing one final score to seal the contest and deny Canada any late drama, the Lions kept their composure in the closing stages, crossing for a sixth and final unconverted try to round off a 38-25 triumph.
The victory leaves the Classic Lions as the only undefeated side remaining in the tournament ahead of Friday's final round-robin showdown against defending champions Argentina Legends.
