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Who does Canada played against the most? In the second of a series looking at international opposition of the the Americas, today we look at Canada’s test matches from 1995 on.
During this common era Canada has played against a total of 27 countries. This is a larger number than that of Argentina during the same period. Canada’s opponents have come in all variations. That is to say Canada has played against Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 countries.
The 27 countries listed are all World Rugby members. Matches involving Canada ‘A’ or opposition ‘A’ sides do not qualify. Also excluded are matches against the likes of the Barbarians and New Zealand Māori where test caps were not awarded.
The following table documents the complete record from 1995-2016. For the purposes of completing the cycle it includes all matches in 1995 itself.
| OPPONENT | TESTS (RWC) |
| Argentina | 6 |
| Australia | 3 (2) |
| Barbados | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| Brazil | 1 |
| Chile | 3 |
| England | 5 |
| Fiji | 8 (2) |
| France | 6 (3) |
| Georgia | 5 |
| Hong Kong | 6 |
| Ireland | 7 (1) |
| Italy | 7 (2) |
| Japan | 19 (2) |
| Namibia | 2 (1) |
| New Zealand | 4 (2) |
| Portugal | 4 |
| Romania | 6 (2) |
| Russia | 4 |
| Samoa | 6 |
| Scotland | 4 |
| South Africa | 2 (1) |
| Spain | 1 |
| Tonga | 6 (2) |
| Uruguay | 9 |
| USA | 36 |
| Wales | 9 (2) |
Most and Least Frequent Opponents
Canada’s most common opponent has been the USA. This should not come as a surprise given relations, geography, and relative playing levels. What is of note is just how many more matches Canada has played against the USA than others. The 36 matches are far more than the 19 games against Canada’s second most recent opponent, Japan.
After Japan there is a significant drop again. No other country has played Canada more than nine times during the relevant time frame. Uruguay and Wales have played Canada nine times each. This sees them tied for third spot. Next in line is Fiji with eight, followed by Ireland and Italy with seven apiece.
With Canada and Uruguay both in the Americas Rugby Championship Uruguay will be a clear third in a few months time. Moreover, after a decade of the ARC it will be far-and-away Canada’s third most frequent fixture.
These figures are also going to change with the end of Canada’s involvement in the Pacific Nations Cup. The frequency of matches against Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga is already decreasing though matches against Japan will likely continue to occur with regularity.
Canada’s least frequent opponents have been Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, and Spain. The Maple Leafs have played each side once each. Brazil will rise quickly in the coming years due to the reformatted ARC. Future matches against Barbados are extremely unlikely due to the Rugby World Cup qualifying format.
Excluding Rugby World Cups
Does excluding World Cup matches from the count alter the figures? Yes it does. One of the two fixtures against Namibia was at RWC 1999 and one against South Africa in 1995. Multiple matches against Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga have also been at World Cups. Three have been against France.
Canada’s overall distribution of opponents has thereby been extremely varied. Outside of World Cups, Tonga has been a less frequent opponent than has Georgia. Overall Canada plays against a far greater variety of European opponents than others.
Tier 2 Comparison
Tonga has had 26 opponents during this period. The variation of opponent, though, has been significantly different. Tonga has played Fiji and Samoa a total of 28 and 23 times respectively. Japan is third with 15 matches followed by the USA with nine and Canada with six. Eight countries have played Tonga once.
Georgia has had 31 opponents in total. Ranging from 17 t0 20 matches Portugal, Romania, Russia, and Spain have played Georgia most frequently. With eight matches the Czech Republic is next and there only side to have played Georgia more than five times.
Japan has had 28 opponents, one more than Canada. South Korea, and Kong Hong come in first and second with 24 and 20 fixtures respectively. Canada and the USA follow with 19 and 17 matches. Fifth place goes to Tonga with 15 matches, one more than Samoa and Fiji.
Japan’s opposition list is thereby vastly different to that of Canada, Tonga, and Georgia. Japan has frequently played against all of Canada, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA. Japan has also had five matches against each of Georgia, Romania, and Russia. Like Canada the Tier 1 side to have faced Japan the most is Wales with nine internationals.
The figures demonstrate that Canada has two regular opponents and plays them notably more than all others. This record will change with the ARC actively playing a role in integrating the Americas.
