Canadians hoping that’s all for brawls

After surviving a nasty brawl against Georgia last weekend, Canada hopes to stick to rugby on Saturday when it takes on Romania in Bucharest. The ugly fight last Saturday in Tbilisi was triggered when Georgian flanker Vito Kolelishvili clotheslined Canadian fly half Liam Underwood as he ran at the Georgia defence at the 36-minute mark. Underwood’s feet went flying in front of him as he dropped to the turf. Canadian captain Tyler Ardron confronted the Georgian and the brawl began, with several Canadians engulfed in packs of Georgia players. Almost every player on the field got involved, with several miniclashes breaking out as Canadian trainers tended to the prone Underwood. Kolelishvili and Ardron were both red-carded when peace was restored. At least one Canadian was bloodied. A dazed Underwood was helped off the field after receiving treatment. Canadian hooker Ray Barkwill, injured in the melee, also needed help to limp off. The game was tied 9-9 when the incident happened. Canada went ahead 12-9 on the ensuing penalty but eventually lost 19-15.