Canada have become the first country to qualify directly for next year’s World Cup after beating the USA 13-11 in Toronto.

A 27-9 victory last weekend in Charleston gave them a platform and they confirmed their place with an 40-20 win on aggregate. Punters who bet on rugby are unlikely to back them for success but simply qualifying is an achievement in itself.

They will enter into Pool D, where they will have a difficult time with Ireland, Italy and France and an as yet unknown Europe 2 qualifiers also in the same group.

The USA will now have to take on Uruguay both home and away with the eventual winners joining Canada in the World Cup in England next year. Canada showed their power in the second leg to make sure they secured their place and were in the lead early on when James Pritchard scored a penalty and a try to cancel out Taku Ngwenya's early try.

Saracens star Chris Wyles booted a penalty for the Americans just before the break to make it 8-8 as both side’s showed their defensive skills to keep each other out. Jason Marshall then went over on the hour mark for Canada to give them some breathing space before Wyles then added another penalty to reduce the gap.

In the dying moments, Wyles had a chance to earn the USA a win over Canada for the first time in seven meetings but his penalty went wide of the post.

Speaking after the game, Canada captain Aaron Carpenter admitted he was proud of his side after they defied the rugby betting to seal qualification.

He told rugbyworldcup.com: "It is an amazing feeling to know that we will be there proudly representing Canada at Rugby World Cup.

"It caps an incredible year with more Test matches and Pacific Nations Cup inclusion and I am sure it will boost rugby interest here. I am really proud of the guys."