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Historic placing for Canada's rugby sevens

Handful of Greater Victoria based players in the lineup in Las Vegas

Canada made national rugby history Sunday, finishing third at the annual Las Vegas sevens tournament, the nation’s best-ever finish in the IRB World Series.

Canada defeated Samoa 22-19 to take the bronze medal, fighting back from a 19-0 deficit to take the game. Canada bowed out of cup contention after losing 26-7 to New Zealand in the semifinal earlier on Sunday.

Among the scorers in the Samoa match were Greater Victoria-based players Nanyuk Dala, with a try, and Phil Mack, who made one conversion and kicked a penalty drop-goal to give Canada the ultimate lead near the end of the match.

Victoria-based players Connor Braid and John Moonlight also played in the match.

The win saw Canada pick up 17 IRB World Series points. The team will travel to Wellington, New Zealand next month for the next Series event.

sports@vicnews.com