New Glasgow Warriors signing, DTH van der Merwe, grabbed two tries for Canada in the Plate final of the 2009 Barclays Churchill Cup in Denver today but it wasn't enough to stop a 44-29 defeat at the hands of the Argentina Jaguars.

His first try came after a spectacular 50-metre run in the 66th minute, beating four players en route to the line. His second score came six minutes later.

He also added a conversion to his tally.

Canada gave away 14 first half points before responding with a superb effort from 21 year old winger Matt Evans – the first of two on the day for him – and his second two try effort in the tournament.

Canadian Coach Kieran Crowley was clearly downbeat after the match despite a second half comeback by the team that saw van der Merwe score a brace in over the course of five minutes.

“You can’t give away 21 points in the first half – and expect to come away with the win,” said Crowley. “A couple of those were soft tries so that was disappointing.”

Crowley says despite the poor patches in the game the performances by Evans and van der Merwe were a bright spot as they prepare for two matches against the USA in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“We will take those positives but really you have to throw some of that game in the bin and start fresh for the two games against the USA,” said Crowley.

Canada's fourth-place finish was its best ever at the tournament since its inception seven years ago. The Canadians now focus on a World Cup qualifying series against USA on Saturday 4 July in Charleston, SC, and July 11 in Edmonton.