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It was another week of slim pickings with only one senior men’s representative match taking place over the weekend. As such this will be an all-Canadian Rugby Championship XV, albeit only between two teams from 80 minutes of play. Thankfully it was a competitive game so we can spread a few positions between the two sides!
1 – Rob Brouwer (Ontario Blues) Solid day’s work for the skipper, though none of the props could be described as outstanding on the day. Went well at the set piece and played a supporting role in the loose.
2 – Eric Howard (Ontario Blues) Had a little bit of difficulty at the lineout in windy conditions but went well at the scrum and around the pitch. Enjoyed his head-to-head against Canada ‘A’ rake Martial Lagain and carried strongly in traffic.
3 – Tom Dolezel (Ontario Blues) Similar to Brouwer. Anchored the scrum and performed his core roles well without being overly conspicuous around the park. In the case of props that’s often a good thing.
4 – Conor Keys (Atlantic Rock) Part of a beefy second row unit that lasted the entire match. A primary target at the lineout and put in a few heavy shoulders in the tackle.
5 – Brad Lester (Atlantic Rock) Good effort from the big man who was prominent on the restarts and supplied a lot of ballast at the scrum. Had a few powerful carries over the gainline did well to stick it out for a full 80 minutes.
6 – Peter Milazzo (Ontario Blues) Wearing the No 7 shirt in the game but like his flank partner is more of a ‘6.5’ type flanker. Excellent work rate around the pitch, always close to the action and the best tackler on the day for the Blues. Also effective at the lineout.
7 – Moe Abdelmonem (Atlantic Rock) Making his official CRC debut the openside specialist didn’t disappoint, covering every blade of grass in his 65 minutes. All over the ball either as a tackler or arriving player, slowing down the ball repeatedly. Rewarded for his tenacity with an opportune try from a Blues knock-on. One to watch.
8 – Lucas Rumball (Ontario Blues) There was an absence of imposing ball carriers on the pitch and neither No 8 really shone so we’ll draft in the Canadian international to the back of the scrum. Got through a lot of grunt work and found his way on the scoreboard with a close range effort.
9 – Andrew Ferguson (Ontario Blues) The dominant player in terms of controlling position and tempo. His box kicks and exits were spot on, and distribution was accurate. Might have done better on a snap drop goal and one penalty kick but can be excused in tricky conditions. A good showing in Calgary will give the national selectors no place to hide.
10 – Shawn Windsor (Ontario Blues) Underrated campaigner provided a steadying influence and mixed his play expertly to keep his opponents pinned down in the first half. Made sure the ball found the danger men and all three outside backs found the tryline.
11 – Dan Moor (Ontario Blues) There wasn’t really a standout winger among the four on the pitch, with both Moor and Kainoa Lloyd enjoying their moments. The Balmy Beach man gets the nod for proving very difficult to haul down on every carry.
12 – Patrick Parfrey (Atlantic Rock) Played at flyhalf but could find his way to the midfield next month where he always looks most effective. Defended well, put in a few sneaky kicks, and challenged the line on occasion. Still working his way back to full fitness and did well considering.
13 – Charles DeBove (Atlantic Rock) Unfortunate to spend 10 minutes in the bin after taking only one penalty but made his presence felt for the other 70. Gave his team much-needed go-forward and won the contact area. Started at No 12 but could be shifted to his best spot of outside centre for Calgary.
14 – Brett Johnson (Atlantic Rock) Started at fullback but with both playing well we’ll have him on the wing. The most dangerous attacker on the pitch broke numerous tackles and looked to have scored a try on his home turf but for a knock-on from a teammate in the buildup.
15 – Rory McDonell (Ontario Blues) The classy Brantford Harlequins captain returns to the CRC this year after a long hiatus. Never looked under pressure and always a threat with the ball. Started and finished a picture-perfect counter-attack in the first half.
