CRC Standouts in line for PNC Selection

Canada’s training squad for the Pacific Nations Cup and beyond is due to be announced any day and with the CRC done and dusted, it’s time to run the rule over who might be in, and who might be unlucky. It’s always difficult for a ‘bolter’ to emerge during a World Cup year, but that was the challenge laid out and a couple of players might just have done enough to nose their way in. If Rugby Canada’s edict that the CRC is, outside of the u20 program, the sole selection vehicle in domestic rugby – and that fact is not up for debate – then they have to reward the outstanding form of some individuals over the last week.

An unusual number of senior props were present, particularly in Wednesday’s games, and there were mixed results. Hubert Buydens and Andrew Tiedemann each had strong workrates around the pitch, but worrying they ran into some trouble in the scrum. The standout in that department was Blues tighthead Doug Wooldridge, who has struggled with injury at times but looked absolutely dominant when the packs came together. That he is capable of playing both sides of the scrum can’t hurt his chances.

Ontario were without their best loosehead, Tom Dolezel, but had positive showings from both Rob Brouwer and Djustice Sears-Duru. Backup tighthead Matt Tierney also looked immensely strong, well beyond his 19 years. Realistically only Sears-Duru is in the picture at the moment, though even for him the World Cup appears to be a year too soon. If Dolezel’s injury affects his participation in the PNC, the powerful young man could get the call.

Hooker remains a problem position for Canada, and both Ray Barkwill and Aaron Carpenter being on the same team doesn’t help. Carpenter spent time in the back row to help build his match fitness. The game time helped him, but not getting more reps in at hooker wasn’t great. Matt Harrison’s fitness must improve if he hopes to take the next step, and it’s a shame we didn’t get to see Alex Mascott play for BC after his late withdrawal from the squad.

Second row is traditionally a position of strength for Canada and there are certainly a number of players in contention, many of whom are already professionals and a couple more who will be soon. Callum Morrison and Evan Olmstead were the two under the radar in the CRC, and it’s safe to assume Olmstead was the standout. He’s had a fine year to date and it would be a gross injustice if he isn’t at least in the PNC squad. On form he has shown enough to throw doubt into the claims of some established pros.

The back row is another highly contentious area, probably even more so than the second. First and foremost, there must be a resounding ‘yes’ put beside the name of Kyle Gilmour. The Wolf Pack captain was the outstanding forward of the competition, and has done everything asked of him by Rugby Canada. He looks bigger, stronger, and has not sacrificed any of his work rate. Showing that he can cover at the back of the scrum just adds to his usefulness in the squad.

Another name who must have raised some eyebrows is Chauncey O’Toole. Playing in a poor Rock squad, he still looked ready and willing. He’s had some time off but in terms of ability and x-factor he remains a very intriguing possibility. Nanyak Dala’s injury in the final was unfortunate as he was showing good form, hopefully it was nothing serious. Seb Pearson had some moments, but also made some mistakes, while both Alistair Clark and Adam Kleeberger look set to be victims of the numbers game. There are too many flankers in line and someone has to miss out.

It’s safe to say that Gordon McRorie will be on the plane in September, and on that form he should be first choice scrumhalf heading into the PNC. There’s still time for Phil Mack to challenge, but when is the last time he has even played a game of XVs? The next in line should be Andrew Ferguson of the Blues. Kieran Crowley has preferred Sean White and Jamie Mackenzie, but Ferguson’s form over the last two CRC seasons cannot be ignored. One only hopes that Ontario’s questionable strategy of splitting his game time with Mackenzie hasn’t hurt his chances. It’s a poor excuse if the selectors feel it has.

Flyhalf has been unsettled since Ander Monro retired and one wonders if leaving Liam Underwood and Harry Jones out of the competition was the right decision. As it was, Patrick Parfrey was the only one within earshot of selection, and even then only as a fringe candidate. Gradyn Bowd impressed in his conversion to no10 from his usual midfield spot, so much so that he could get a look in the future, but needs considerably more experience.

The biggest winner looks to be Wolf Pack centre Mozac Samson, who turned heads with five tries in two games and some serious running power. Samson is not young – he’s nearly 30 – and has been somewhat of an underachiever, floating just below Canada selection until now. That said, it’s hard see what more he could possibly have done. Canada has messed about in the midfield with Ciaran Hearn and Conor Trainor – among others – flattering to deceive. At the very least Samson deserves a shot in the PNC to give them some much needed competition.

His midfield partner Nick Blevins had a strong tournament, but he always looks good at CRC level. The problem is he seems to have trouble taking the next step. Phil Mackenzie ran hard for Ontario but his lack of game time in the midfield showed on the other side of the ball. Best he’s left on the wing. Without Derek Daypuck inside him, Jordan Wilson-Ross had few chances to impress and struggled to impose himself. On form his spot should go to Samson.

The outside backs were quite disappointing on the whole, with very few players putting their hands up. Brett Johnson looks a good prospect for Liam Middleton’s squad, but too small for Kieran Crowley’s. Patrick McNicholas is skilled with decent speed though another another in the lightweight category. Jake Webster hardly saw the ball, and neither Dan Moor nor Adam Bontus, who each impressed at times, have the speed of test level wingers. Carl Pocock was the choice fullback but has a number of established players in his way.

There are yet a few names outside of the CRC who might pop up ‘out of the blue’. Paddy Finlay was outstanding for the u20s and could have a serious shot as the third hooker; with Jebb Sinclair injured and out of the PNC, a spot might open to have a look at Bedford flanker Justin Blanchet, whose height and physicality would be useful at no6; and a couple youngsters training with the sevens program, no8 Matt Mullins and fullback Andrew Coe, look to have what it takes to succeed at international rugby. All would be bold choices, but not without merit.

Possible PNC extended training squad:

PROP: Hubert Buydens, Tom Dolezel, Jake Ilnicki, Jason Marshall, Andrew Tiedemann, Doug Wooldridge

HOOKER: Ray Barkwill, Aaron Carpenter, Paddy Finlay, Benoit Piffero

SECOND ROW: Brett Beukeboom, Aaron Flagg, Tyler Hotson, Evan Olmstead, Jon Phelan, Cameron Pierce

BACK ROW: Tyler Ardron, Admir Cejvanovic, Nanyak Dala, Kyle Gilmour, John Moonlight, Chauncey O’Toole, Seb Pearson, Richard Thorpe

SCRUMHALF: Andrew Ferguson, Phil Mack, Gordon McRorie, Sean White

FLYHALF: Connor Braid, Patrick Parfrey, Liam Underwood

CENTRE: Mike Fuailefau, Ciaran Hearn, Harry Jones, Mozac Samson, Conor Trainor

OUTSIDE BACKS: Matt Evans, Jeff Hassler, Pat Kay, Phil Mackenzie, Taylor Paris, James Pritchard

NOT CONSIDERED: Jamie Cudmore (rested), Jebb Sinclair (injured), DTH van der Merwe (rested)