By Michael John Oliver
Plucky Canada's cup fairytale at the Hertz Wellington Sevens is over, going down 15 – 12 to Samoa in extra time in their cup quarter final.
Samoa looked comfortable in the first half, dominating the Canadian defence in the first half.
But a mighty second-half comeback brought the Canadians back from the dead, and set up a sudden death extra time showdown.
Though they tried, a lapse in discipline cost the Canadians, who were penalised within kicking distance for Lolo Lui.
Samoa's scoring machine made no mistake, and put the Islanders through to the cup semis.
Dogged defence early in the first half from the North Americans kept Samoa at bay, but the dam broke with three minutes to go when Lolo Lui dotted down for five.
Lolo scored again right on half time, after the Samoan scrum blew the Canadians off the ball. Lolo pounced, and scooped the ball up for an easy five pointer, and Samoa went into the break 12-0 ahead.
It should have been academic from there on for Samoa, but Canada weren't going down without a fight. Some quick passing saw Connor Braid dot down right after half time to make it 12-5.
Samoa's handling let them down in the second half, butchering two chances to give Canada a sniff.
Taylor Paris nearly had a chance to draw the Canadians within two points, out-pacing Samoa's defence out wide, only to lose the ball with the try line begging.
But Canada weren't done yet, turning back to their quick passing game, spreading the Samoan defence wafer-thin, giving Sean Duke an open run to the try line.
The try was converted, and the teams went into extra time level at 12-all.
For Canada, it will be a tournament they won't forget, and living proof that sevens truly is a great equaliser.
Watch the video for all the highlights.
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