Ireland A were forced to come from behind late on to beat Canada 30-19 in their group match at the Churchill Cup in Denver.
With Canada clinging to a 19-16 lead with 11 minutes left in the second half, Ireland converted two tries including a penalty and a 79th-minute effort from Dennis Fogarty to put the game out of reach.
Earlier, Denis Hurley put the Irish 5-0 up, and despite another try from Fergus McFadden after 13 minutes Canada were the dominant side in the first half, with Ander Monro scoring 11 points and Phil Mack crossing the line to give the Canucks a 16-13 half-time lead.
A Niall O'Connor penalty after the break drew Ireland level, then in the 61st minute Monro kicked over again for Canada's final lead, before Jonathan Sexton's penalty try put the Irish back in front for the final time.
Ireland now face Georgia in their final group stage game on Sunday.
Scorers:
Ireland A: Tries: Denis Hurley, Fergus McFadden, Penalty try, Dennis Fogarty; Cons: Jonathan Sexton 2; Pens: Niall O'Connor 2
Canada: Try: Phil Mack; Con: Ander Monro; Pens: Ander Monro 3; Drop: Ander Monro
