CRC Finalists ready for Battle

The two finalists in the biggest domestic game of the year on the Canadian calendar are set to square off on Wednesday in Calgary. Both the Blues and the Wolf Pack recorded convincing victories on Sunday, and as expected the pair will be hammer and tongs at each other with the home town Pack attempting to throw a wrench in Ontario’s plans for an unprecedented 5th consecutive MacTier Cup victory.

Thankfully for both coaches – and the national selectors – both sides emerged unscathed in the injury department, and there should be few if any changes in their match day lineups.

Wolf Pack head coach Graeme Moffat was very pleased with how back row stars Kyle Gilmour and Nanyak Dala performed after long injury lay-offs, and praised the performance of new flyhalf Gradyn Bowd.

“Grady did very well on his debut. He’s an intelligent footballer who has benefited from time spent playing in Vancouver and Australia. I believe a big part of his development has come from all the coaching he done when he was out injured. Having experienced players either side of him in [Gordon] McRorie and [Nick] Blevins also helped.”

After piling 57 points on the Bears in the opening hour, the Pack seemed to hit a wall in the final quarter, with the searing heat and replacements disrupting continuity.

“It was a combination of many factors in the last 20 minutes, most notably our indiscipline. We gave away too many penalties which meant we had limited possession. The rhythm is always going to change when you make eight changes and the heat was certainly a factor.”

Blues head coach Chris Silverthorn also noticed the effects of the conditions in the latter stages of his team’s 44-22 victory over the Atlantic Rock, but as the team returned from a day-trip to Banff on Monday, he wasn’t concerned about his side’s recovery.

“Both teams were certainly feeling the effects of the 35-degree weather last Sunday, and that was especially evident throughout the latter stages of the match. Conditions are looking much more favourable for Wednesday’s final, so we don’t anticipate fatigue being a factor.

“Each year on our west coast swing we typically play two matches in the span of 66 hours. With so many of our guys returning from previous campaigns, the short turnaround time will be nothing new. Still, being able to rest without the burdens of travel is a welcomed bonus, and we’re using this time to prepare as much as possible for what will likely be a very physical final.”

Both coaches remain confident in their charges heading into what promises to be a titanic battle, with World Cup spots likely on the line as well as the championship.

“The Wolf Pack have always been a strong side,” said Silverthorn. “We anticipated a big game from them against British Columbia, and they certainly delivered. They are not the type of opponent you want to take lightly, as they possess quality up and down their lineup.

“We split our season series against the Pack last year, and we know they’ll be hungry to win on home soil. That said, our game plan has remained consistent, and we’re looking forward to what should be a fantastic match between two very good sides.”

Moffat was also complimentary of his opponents, conceding they remain favourites.

“Ontario are a very strong side with lots of experience, particularly in the front row. Their driving maul was very effective and caused the Rock a lot of problems so we have to be prepared for that. They also have a very experienced midfield with [Derek] Daypuck pulling the strings.

“The Blues have to be favourites. On Wednesday they have an opportunity to win five in a row. That would be one hell of an achievement. That said, we have done our homework and will prepare as best we can. We are certainly not just there to make up the numbers.”