The Canadian Maple Leafs, a sevens development squad, has won both of its opening day matches of the Punta del Estes tournament in Uruguay defeating the Carrasco Polo club 36-0.

The tournament - being played on Sunday night and on Monday is being used as a development tool to blood new players for the Canadian Sevens program, and is funded by the Canadian Rugby Foundation- through donations from benefactors.

John Moonlight, Nolan Miles scored their first tries of their sevens careers and Brodie Henderson had a pair in the first half, with Phil Mack converting three of those for a 26-0 half time lead.

In the second frame Sean Ferguson scored, and a final try from Keaton Styles rounded out the first match.

In the Maple Leafs second match of the event, which features seven pools of three teams with the top sides advancing, the Canadians defeated the Toyota 7s squad 28-14.

Brodie Henderson crossed for two more tries and also saw a two minute sin bin for a big tackle in the first half that was deemed too high. Sean Duke and Nathan Hirayama also scored with Phil Mack converting all four. Hirayama also received a yellow card in the match - that saw Canada play short handed for two minutes in the second half.

Coach Morgan Williams felt the form of former sevens regular Henderson was outstanding.

"He was enormous at the tackle situation and found himself in the bin for what was deemed a high tackle but the player clearly slipped the tackle," said Williams.

The only player not to score on the day was Keegan Selby, but Williams credits the Ontario natives big defensive work for creating opportunities for his Maple Leafs teammates.

"His constant tackling created turnovers for the others to score," affirmed Williams.

Other teams in the tournament include Tonga, Samoa and Uruguay - and is treated as an excellent tune up tournament for teams who proceed to the International Rugby Board Sevens series.


Canada Maple Leafs 36
Tries John Moonlight*, Nolan Miles*, Brodie Henderson (2), Sean Ferguson*, Keaton Styles*
Conversions: Phil Mack (3)

Carrasco Polo Club 0

Canada Maple Leafs 28
Tries: Brodie Henderson (2),  Sean Duke, Nathan Hirayama,
Conversions: Phil Mack (4)

Toyota Sevens 14