Canada ... 26 Scotland ... 23 Canada's shock win over Scotland in Vancouver on Saturday was a massive morale-booster as the Canadians prepare for World Cup qualifying to begin in two weeks.

Canada had beaten Scotland in New Brunswick in 1991, but the game was not considered a full international because Scotland were missing some leading players.

On Saturday, however, there was no doubt, with Scotland fielding a young but formidable side, and the 5,274 fans who filled the sun-drenched stands enjoyed every minute of a thrilling and passionate match.

After losing 33-8 to the Scots in an "unofficial Test" last weekend, the same Canadian squad this time didn't fade in the second half.

Canada spent the week working on the deficiencies that had cost them that match and on Saturday, after early problems, tightened up their lineout, solidified their scrums and tightened their defence, posing all sorts of problems for the Scots.

While the Scots led at one point 23-13, Canada's resolve never wavered. The hosts' most capped player (66) and captain, Al Charron, played a huge part in rallying his troops after they were on the wrong end of the score sheet.

At the very end of the first-half, with Canada leading 13-10, Irish referee David McHugh sent Charron to the sin bin for a professional foul, and Scotland assaulted Canada's line.

In the next 10 minutes Scotland scored two tries and a penalty. Charron's return rekindled his charges, and from that point Scotland failed to score while Canada scored a try and a penalty to tie, and then saw Victoria's Jared Barker slot a penalty at 76 minutes to win the match.

SCORERS: Canada - Tries: Phil Murphy, Jon Thiel; Conversions: Jared Barker (2); Penalties: Barker (4). Scotland - Tries: Chris Patterson, Mike Blair, Simon Taylor; Conversion: Brendan Laney; Penalties Laney (2).