CANADA ARE ON course to each the Rugby World Cup after they demolished the US Eagles 27-9 in South Carolina.

Sparked by a superb opening try by scrumhalf Phil Mack, the Canucks raced away with the tie and ran in two more five-pointers.

The first leg win means the USA must win next week’s return tie by 19 points. If they cannot do so, Canada will be confirmed as ‘Americas One’ for the World Cup. The top side from the Americas will be pooled with Ireland, France, Italy and another European side at the 2015 event.

Mack set the tone for the emphatic win with a wonderful aerial claim and a chip and successful chase for the first try. James Pritchard kicked the conversion and two penalties to make it 13-0 at the break.

Chris Wyles got the home side on the scoreboard with three second half penalties but tries from Harry Jones and Glasgow Warriors winger DTH van der Merwe settled the one-sided contest.

Check out the highlights here:

YouTube credit: RugbyCanada Communications

The second leg takes place in Toronto on 24 August. Ireland defeated Canada 40-14 in June with Fergus McFadden scoring a hat-trick of tries.

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