Powerful Blues squad to defend CRC title

Ontario has thrown down the gauntlet by naming a full strength side – and then some – to defend their Canadian Rugby Championship title. The Blues have won the MacTier Cup for four consecutive years, and judging by the names on the list will take some stopping to deny them a fifth. Only a bare-bones squad of 23 players will travel, and team manager Mark Winokur admits some of the choices were difficult.

“For a lot of reasons this was the toughest Blues selection ever by far. Fortunately we have games against Quebec [July 25] and the ARP Selects [August 22] for us to use to use our depth and give opportunities to other players.”

The Blues have followed the Wolf Pack’s lead by including two overseas players in the group. As expected, Aaron Carpenter is included after getting a run with Brantford Harlequins last weekend. He will split time with fellow Canadian international Ray Barkwill at hooker.

Phil Mackenzie is the other professional, adding another weapon to an already potent Blues backline. The Sale Sharks winger was outstanding in his return to the Canadian jersey at the Pacific Challenge. Having had few chances in the Aviva Premiership over the past couple years, he will be keen to remind the selectors that he still has the goods for the World Cup.

The rest of the squad is essentially the same that came away winners last season. Tight five stalwarts Tom Dolezel, Doug Wooldridge, Scott Dunham, and Hank McQueen are back to lead the battle up front. Exciting prop talent Djustice Sears-Duru –already a full international – and u20 second row Paul Ciulini have been included and should also feature heavily.

Arguably the most dominant unit in the team last season was their back row, and their starting trio is back for more. Lucas Rumball captained the national u20s to a very respectable 2nd place finish in Portugal, while openside Alistair Clark and no8 Seb Pearson each had eye-catching displays in Fiji with Canada ‘A’.

A second Mackenzie is found in the halfbacks, as brother Jamie is included along with Andrew Ferguson giving the Blues two top quality scrumhalves. Ferguson probably had the edge between the two in last year’s CRC, but it was Mackenzie who went to the ARC. Stoney Creek’s Shawn Windsor returns as flyhalf.

Captaining once again is the ageless Derek Daypuck, who along with Dunham has been competing for the provincial side for well over a decade. Daypuck remains a dominant figure in the side, using his left boot with good effect both for field position and for goal. His midfield mate Jordan Wilson-Ross is also along for the ride, having celebrated his first senior caps on November’s European tour.

Along with the elder Mackenzie, returning wingers Dan Moor and Jake Webster provide punch out wide, and former Western Mustangs star Josh Campbell gets the nod ahead of a queue of younger contenders. With none of last year’s four-strong fullback contingent included, it’s unclear exactly who will take over that role.

Fullback Andrew Coe and back row Matt Mullins, standouts with Canada’s u20s over the past couple years, have been named as non-travelling reserves.

The Blues face off against the Atlantic Rock on June 28, with the winner given a spot in the final on July 1 against either the Wolf Pack or the BC Bears. Canada’s training squad for the Pacific Nations and World Cup will be named following the tournament.

FORWARDS
Rob Brouwer (Lindsay), Tom Dolezel (London St. George’s), Djustice Sears-Duru (Oakville Crusaders), Doug Wooldridge (Lindsay), Ray Barkwill (Niagara Wasps), Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins), Paul Ciulini (Aurora Barbarians), Scott Dunham (Balmy Beach), Hank McQueen (Balmy Beach), Alistair Clark (Bay Street), Seb Pearson (London St. George’s), Lucas Rumball (Balmy Beach), Mike Sheppard (Brampton Beavers)

BACKS
Andrew Ferguson (Oakville Crusaders), Jamie Mackenzie (Oakville Crusaders), Shawn Windsor (Stoney Creek), Derek Daypuck (capt., London St. George’s), Jon West (Aurora Barbarians), Jordan Wilson-Ross (Barrie), Phil Mackenzie (Oakville Crusaders), Dan Moor (Balmy Beach), Jake Webster (Lindsay), Josh Campbell (London St. George’s)

Head Coach – Chris Silverthorn
Assistant Coach – Paul Connelly
Manager – Mark Winokur
Video Analyst – Rodin Lozada
Athletic Therapist – Chris Kelly