Two changes for Canada against Japan

There has been no knee-jerk reaction from Jeff Williams as he names a largely unchanged Canadian side to face Japan in the second round of the World Rugby u20 Trophy in Montevideo. Despite suffering a disappointing defeat at the hands of Namibia the Head Coach has opted only to freshen up the front row for what will be a vital match for Canada if they have any hope of reaching the final. Japan defeated Chile in their opening round fixture.

Weather conditions for Saturday are forecast to be considerably more palatable than they were on Tuesday, when Canada struggled badly to adjust in monsoon-like rain. If the dry day eventuates it will be a significant psychological boost to the team that looks most comfortable running the ball.

Connor Sampson and Steven Ng will start at loosehead prop and hooker respectively, with Liam Murray swapped to the bench and Dewald Kotze left out of the match day squad. The only other change to the 23 sees Thomas Davidson replace Jamie McNaughton as second or back row cover.

Kickoff is set for 2pm local, 1pm Eastern. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.

CANADA
1 Connor Sampson, 2 Steven Ng, 3 Cole Keith, 4 Liam Doll, 5 Matt Beukeboom, 6 Lachlan Currie, 7 James O’Neill, 8 Jake Thiel, 9 Fraser Hurst, 10 Will Kelly, 11 Cole Davis, 12 Josh Thiel, 13 George Barton (capt.), 14 Anton Ngongo, 15 Aidan McMullan

Replacements: 16 Jack McRogers, 17 Liam Murray, 18 Nick Frost, 19 Thomas Davidson, 20 William McDougall-Percillier, 21 Brennig Prevost, 22 Niko Clironomos