CALGARY - Former captain Tyler Ardron scored four tries in his return to the national team and Canada reeled off 17 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the U.S. 34-20 in Pacific Nations Cup rugby play Friday.

The 34-year-old backrower from Peterborough, Ont., who plays his club rugby in France for Castres Olympique, won cap No. 39 in his first appearance in Canadian colours since October 2021. Ardron captained Canada at both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

The Pacific Nations Cup marks the start of World Cup qualifying for the 25th-ranked Canadian men and 16th-ranked Americans.

Tied 17-17 at the break, the teams exchanged penalties and Ardron scored his fourth try in the 57th minute after a quick-tap penalty. Peter Nelson’s conversion gave Canada a 27-20 lead and the fullback s

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