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Both Canada and the USA have called for backup for this weekend’s matches against Italy and Russia, respectively. The two sides have injuries and changes in availability to account for ahead of their final games in the June international series.
After picking up Liam Underwood last week, Mark Anscombe has immediately drafted in London Irish midfielder Ciaran Hearn to bolster his Canadian roster. Hearn joins the team from the disappointing Monaco 7s tournament where Canada were knocked out by Russia in their bid to qualify for the Olympic Games. He is expected to jump straight into the starting lineup, and should he do so will be winning his 50th test cap and first since the World Cup.
Canada had a successful but costly win over Russia this past weekend. Taylor Paris retired early with a head knock, and Cam Pierce limped off with ankle damage in the final quarter. Brock Staller was a scratch before the game and it’s not clear if any of those three will be available against Italy. Meanwhile Djustice Sears-Duru, Kyle Baillie, and Evan Olmstead suffered various bumps and bruises but all appear to be fit to play this week.
The Eagles will have to face Russia without key players Greg Peterson and Takudzwa Ngwenya. Peterson rolled an ankle against Italy while Ngwenya suffered concussion after a nasty head clash with Leonardo Sarto. Andrew Durutalo will also miss out having left early to join the Olympic preparations in Chula Vista.
World Cup prop Eric Fry has been recalled to train with the team, so too San Francisco no8 David Tameilau, who was left out of the original squad after impressing during the ARC. Despite rumors of ‘international retirement’ World Cup flanker John Quill is also in camp, and he is joined by uncapped Sacramento Express teammates Sione Sina and Langi Haupeakui. All are in the running for the match day 23 against Russia.
Canada do not play Italy until Sunday and are unlikely to name their team until tomorrow, while the Eagles are expected to name their roster to face the Bears later this afternoon.
