There’s a big game for Rugby Canada ‘A’ side today (or late tonight depending which side of the world you’re on).
The press release from Rugby Canada revealing the ‘A’ roster that is to face Argentina in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge in Suva, Fiji showcases some of Canada’s best talent on the field, as was witnessed in Canada’s defeat over Junior Japan with an impressive 69-17, and close game versus Samoa ‘A’ where they lost 19-17.
Rugby Canada ‘A’ v Argentina Pampas XV
A big loss to Canada in the front pack will be current Canada Captain Hubert Buydens, who is a probable scratch due to the two yellow cards he received versus Japan. It will be an noticeable absence, as Buydens is a formidable opponent for any team.
The Pampas XV, Argentina’s second side behind the Pumas, remains undefeated after wins against both Tonga and Fiji ‘A’ sides, and are playing an impressive game at the moment. As with their senior team The Pumas, they are playing world class rugby at the moment, and are sure to impress leading up to, and in, world cup matches.
The timing of the games in this tournament is unfortunate for Canadian supporters, and this particular match is 11 pm EST (8pm PST), but it’s an important match in many respects. Canada could still survive the pool stages of the tournament with a win, and it’s a win that the boys will definitely want. Whether or not it can happen is another question, but hopefully the boys will hit the pitch and play 80 solid minutes.
It’s great to see Phil Mackenzie getting some field time with the boys. He’s been missed and had little playing time with the Sale Sharks where he is playing his professional Rugby in England. His speed will come in handy in this match. Harry Jones has been playing consistently well for the last year – he doesn’t shy away from any aspect of play and he has a good boot. John Moonlight as always is a great leader and quick with the ball, and he’s a strong and fit player with speed and power on his side. His good hands are paramount in any match. Sean White has the potential to make all the difference with his controlling play coming off the bench, though he has a lot of competition at scrum half with Gordon McRorie and Phil Mack both in the lineup too, and both with gifts of their own.
Ray Barkwill has been doing a good job proving he’s World Cup worthy at Hooker. He’s not playing like a 34 year old and if he keeps fit, his experience with this squad will be paramount come Fall; though the number 2 job isn’t guaranteed at World Cup, I would expect he’d be there.
Adam Kleeberger is a seasoned pro with this team, and with luck he will return to World Cup action with the other two members of the 2011 World Cup Beardos, Hubert Buydens and Jebb Sinclair who is still on duty with London Irish but is expected to factor with the Canadian team in England.
For this tournament, as well as games upcoming later this spring and summer, the great mix of seasoned and newer players is a mix that is good to test in these tournaments leading up to Rugby World Cup in the Fall.
For this particular game, Kieran Crowley has to time his substitutions well and keep his forward pack strong. The fast boots have to have their opportunities to get past what is sure to be a strong Pampas defence and hit the try line early. It is going to be a cracker of a game.
For those who can, watch LIVE at www.worldrugby.org
And stay tuned – The Finals Will Be March 23 – Canada ‘A’ will play, but in what capacity we don’t yet know.
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