Updated at 11.58
FORMER CONNACHT OUT-half AJ MacGinty has helped the USA Eagles to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup with a win over Canada.
Following a first-leg draw last weekend, America maintained their strong record against their neighbours in recent years, with a 52-16 victory.
Canada also had a former Connacht representative in their ranks with Shane O’Leary also playing at out-half.
Although Canada won 15 out of 20 previous qualifier meetings between the sides, they had not beaten the Eagles in four years.
The result will see America qualify for the 2019 tournament in Japan as the top North American side for the first time.
A sin-bin against the Canadians proved to be a turning point in the game, who were already trailing by 10 points when they lost Tyler Ardron for collapsing a maul.
The eventual winners crossed over for three tries thereafter, with MacGinty adding the extras from all three conversions.
He slotted over six conversions overall as the Eagles reached their highest score as well as their biggest ever margin of victory against Canada.
America will take their place in Pool C for the World Cup, in a group that will include England, France, Argentina, and a yet-to-be-determined Oceania side, in the group.
Meanwhile, Canada must now face Uruguay in January to battle for a position in Pool D.
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