June Preview – Canada

It’s an unusual feeling for Canadian fans heading into this year’s June international series. They’ve welcomed difficult opposition on many an occasion in the past, but this time it’s not just for bragging rights. For the first time the World Cup Qualifiers will be tacked on at the end of the month and for the first time it’s the Eagles who are favorites to claim the Americas 1 spot in Japan 2019. After a catastrophic Americas Rugby Championship it’s nervous times ahead of what will be a pivotal four weeks in the Canadian rugby timeline.

 

RECENT FORM

Last year proved a mix of emotions as a promising start to the year in the ARC and the June series led to a difficult and perhaps slightly underwhelming November series. While Ireland was always going to be a big step up, the defeats to very beatable Romania and Samoa sides were tough pills to swallow.

If that was something of a letdown, the 2017 ARC was an unmitigated disaster. Despite being short several top players Canada was able to field a competitive side on paper. What unfolded on the field was hammer blow to Canadian confidence as they fell to both Uruguay and Brazil in successive weeks, dropping to an all-time low on the World Rankings and throwing the rugby community into a frenzy. The aftermath was positively timid compared to the rhetoric but the wounds remain fresh and the knives have merely been slid under the pillow rather than locked back in the cabinet.

 

HOW THEY MATCH UP

It’s hard to fathom but Canada are now in 23rd on the official World Rugby Rankings, behind Tier 3 nation Germany and only narrowly ahead of Hong Kong, Portugal, and Kenya. All of their upcoming opponents are higher, with first-up Georgia miles ahead in 12th spot and gunning for the Top 10. Romania are nearly sevens points and sevens spots up in 16th and on paper have sent a team bent on frustrating their opponents. The Eagles are six spots ahead in 17th and have won five straight against the Canucks dating back to the last World Cup qualifying series in August of 2013.

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

There’s no question that Shane O’Leary is cautiously viewed as a savior of sorts for the national side. After turning down previous offers the Connacht flyhalf has finally signed up and gives Canada a player of genuine professional class at a position that has been a sea of uncertainty since the retirement of Ander Monro. It also allows another key player, Connor Braid, to move to his most effective position of inside center and in doing so allows for greater variation in the Canadian attack. O’Leary has the ability to be a fixture in the side for several years to come.

With the ultra-dependable Matt Evans sidelined until November after knee surgery and James Pritchard now long retired there is a cavernous hole at the vital fullback position. Enter Andrew Coe, the national u20 captain of 2016, who has returned from a long-term shoulder injury to turn heads once again with the Rounsefell Cup champion UBC Thunderbirds. Earmarked for international honors since he was 17, the timing isn’t ideal but the Markham Irish product has the athletic tools to be a star. He’ll have to adjust to the pressure of test rugby in record time with only two matches between now and the USA.

The backline should be a strength for Canada but the forwards are a bit more of a question mark. No Jamie Cudmore or Jebb Sinclair leaves the squad gravely short of muscle and aggro. A player who has flown under the radar somewhat is PEI’s favorite son Kyle Baillie. At 6’5″ and a surprising turn of pace he can do a job in the second row but it’s on the side of the scrum where he is most effective. His elite resume is short and at 26 years of age he’s something of a late bloomer but make no mistake, he is a much better player than his new London Scottish contract would suggest.

 

VERDICT

Building some momentum after the calamity in South America will be paramount ahead of the USA tests. Georgia typically do not travel well but they have sent a full strength side and should be heavy favorites in Calgary. Romania are a notch below in caliber but have had Canada’s number in recent times. While it would be a sizeable upset on paper, it should be target as a winnable contest.

The USA’s chances have taken a heavy blow with the news that star players Greg Peterson, Samu Manoa, Blaine Scully, and now Titi Lamositele will not be fit to play. What seemed like a forgone conclusion weeks ago now looks attainable, though undoubtedly the USA remain slight favorites. If victory ultimately eludes them Canada must at the very least show that relentless pursuit of impact is again in the side, something that was not wholly evident in their last convening.

 

FIXTURES

DATE	PT	MT	ET	OPPONENT	LOCATION
Sat, June 10	14:00	15:00	17:00	Georgia	Calgary Rugby Park, Calgary
Sat, June 17	14:00	15:00	17:00	Romania	Ellerslie Park, Edmonton
Sat, June 24	12:00	13:00	15:00	USA	Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
Sat, July 1	15:00	16:00	18:00	USA	Torero Stadium, San Diego

 

DETAILED SQUAD LIST