Rugby: Canada have to qualify for 2011 Cup

Canada's Ryan Smith (L) celebrates with Dth Van Der Merwe (R). Photo / Reuters

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PARIS - Canada, who have lost both of their rugby World Cup games, have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2011 tournament in New Zealancd.

Canada lost 29-16 to Fiji on Sunday to follow on from their opening 42-17 defeat to Wales, results which mean the Canucks cannot finish third in pool B and so will have to pre-qualify for the next World Cup in New Zealand.

"We did not put any emphasis on 2011 but what we emphasised is that we needed three wins and we did not get them," said coach Ric Suggitt.

"It is disappointing but it is not huge. I can think of a lot of more things that are more disappointing than that."

Canada play Japan in their next match on Tuesday and then take on two-time world champions Australia on the following Saturday.

- AFP