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Canada look likely to field almost an entirely new side against Tonga in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup on Friday. Sources have indicated to Americas Rugby News that as many as 11 changes will be made from the side that lost to Japan, with only Hubert Buydens, Richard Thorpe, DTH van der Merwe, and captain Tyler Ardron set to be retained.
Head coach Kieran Crowley spoke of wanting to keep his team fresh at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, citing the team’s burnout ahead of the game against Japan in the 2011 World Cup as a problem he hopes to avoid this time. With only four days between each of the remaining three rounds of the PNC, he will have to manage his squad carefully.
Among the likely new names is second row Evan Olmstead, who looks ready to make his test debut, while Callum Morrison could start for the first time on the flank. Back rows Kyle Gilmour and John Moonlight, who each missed out on the match against Japan, look set to be included among the reserves.
Aaron Carpenter and Andrew Tiedemann are expected to get a run in the front row after both featured heavily as replacements against Japan. Ray Barkwill and Doug Wooldridge made positive contributions on Saturday and both Carpenter and Tiedemann will know that the starting spots are far from settled.
Halfbacks Phil Mack and Nathan Hirayama look to be promoted to the run-on side, along with a new centre pairing in Nick Blevins and Conor Trainor. Harry Jones could get a run in the unusual position of fullback, with James Pritchard shifted over to the wing to accomodate.
EDIT: Suggestions are now that Phil Mackenzie will start on the wing, not Pritchard.
It’s unclear when the side will officially be named. The match takes place on Friday evening at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia.
