Canada celebrate victory. (Getty Images)
CHARRON INJURY MARS CANADA TRIUMPH
By Gareth Duggan, PA Sport, Wollongong
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A serious injury to Canadian captain Al Charron spoiled the Maple Leafs' night as they handed Tonga a 24-7 defeat in Wollongong to ensure the Pacific Island nation finished bottom of Pool D.
Canada scored two tries to one, winger Sean Fauth replying in the second half to Inoke Afeaki's 17th-minute touchdown and reserve hooker Aaron Abrams driving over in the last minute.
Canadian fly-half Bob Ross kicked four penalties, while opposite number Pierre Hola hit just one conversion, and Ross' tactical kicking also ensured Tonga were often forced to attack from deep inside their own half.
The match took its unpleasant turn in the 69th minute when Charron copped an awful blow to the head from the shoulder of Hola and was stretchered off.
Referee Alain Rolland stopped play immediately because of the injury and medical personnel rushed to the aid of Charron, who is the oldest man in the tournament and likely to retire after the match.
It was an awful way for him to end his 75th in a match Canadian shirt and 25th match as skipper.
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