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Canada have been dealt an injury blow to their Rugby World Cup squad just ahead of departure. Hard-hitting flanker Justin Blanchet has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an arm injury against the USA on Saturday. He is replaced by second row Josh Larsen.
It’s disappointing news for both Blanchet, who was set to play in his first World Cup, and coach Kingsley Jones. Blanchet brought needed size and grunt to the forward pack. His man-of-the-match effort against the BC All-Stars looked to have earned him a starting spot on the blindside flank.
The injury problems don’t end with Blanchet. Kyle Baillie limped off in the first half with an MCL injury that is expected to keep him out of at least the opening match against Italy. It leaves Jones with a selection dilemma at No6. Lucas Rumball and Luke Campbell could fill in, but a more like-for-like option might be to start Evan Olmstead in the back row where he excelled for Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Larsen meanwhile is handed a reprieve after narrowly missing out on the original squad. After securing a starting role with the side after his debut in November 2017, Larsen was then overtaken by first Mike Sheppard in the Repechage and then Conor Keys in the Americas Rugby Championship. Larsen’s most recent test appearance was against the USA during the ARC in March.
Having played for Austin Elite during this year’s Major League Rugby season, Larsen will make the jump to the expansion New England Free Jacks following the tournament. Older brother Travis is currently on standby as back row cover for Canada.
An updated squad list can be seen here.
