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Canada’s thirst for more high level fixtures was quenched in 2016 with the addition of the Americas Rugby Championship proving a major step in the development of top amateur talent. While not quite top flight competition, the games gave the best of Canada’s domestic players a chance to test themselves in test rugby conditions against their South American peers. The ability to train and play together for five weeks is an invaluable tool that will pay dividends in the buildup to the 2019 World Cup..
2016 ARC
With interim head coach François Ratier leading the way after Kieran Crowley’s untimely departure, Canada performed admirably under the circumstances with only the overwhelming defeat to eventual champions Argentina a sore point. A number of players made their international debuts while others were given a chance to press for starting roles and by-and-large the players responded positively. The record of three wins and two losses was seen as a major positive and step in the right direction after the horrors of 2015.
POST-ARC 2016
June brought with it another new coach, this time a permanent appointment in Mark Anscombe. The positive vibes continued despite narrow losses to Japan and Italy with a dominant win over Russia sandwiched in between. A development tour for the ‘A’ side to the UK followed, and then a difficult Americas Pacific Challenge which soured Anscombe’s honeymoon somewhat. November proved similarly frustrating, with encouraging signs shown but no results to take back home.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
While invincibility seems to be a trait of incumbent hooker Ray Barkwill, at 36 years of age the need for a ready replacement is high on Canada’s priority list. Ontario Blues understudy Eric Howard has made his debut last season and looks ready to make the step up but was curiously left on the bench for most of the November test series. If he is to strengthen his case he must play in this tournament.
Second row is another position of interest though the pairing of Brett Beukeboom and Evan Olmstead was a point of strength for the side in November. One of the new generation is New Zealand-based Reegan O’Gorman. At 1.98m (6’6″) he has genuine international height and athleticism to go with it. He could be a long-term fixture in the side if he lives up to his potential.
Competition on the flank is heating up and the introduction of English-born Ollie Nott only adds to the selection quandary. The former Leicester academy openside could well renew his back row partnership with his Canada u20 flank-mate Lucas Rumball. Nott is a classic link man in the mold of French great Olivier Magne – fast, fit, and skilled with ball in hand.
One of Canada’s most highly-touted prospects is George Barton, a hard running centre currently situated in the elite academy of Clermont Auvergne. At only 19 years old he is already a huge physical presence with room to develop. Barton’s footwork and offloading ability make him very difficult to mark. Canadian fans should get a glimpse of the future over the next few weeks.
VERDICT
On paper Canada’s team looks stronger than that of a year ago, and having coach Anscombe at the helm for several months now is a significant boost to preparations. Many of the best domestic players are now on central contracts and are ostensibly full-time athletes. There is also a sprinkling of top overseas talent, though their availability will be spotty. Improving on last year’s third place finish will depend heavily on the result of the match in Burnaby against the Eagles. Getting off to a respectable start against Argentina in Langford this weekend will go a long way to building confidence for that crucial swing-match.
