Canada Selection Vs Japan

Pritch Takes Aim

CANADA’S ROSTER TO FACE JAPAN:

1. Hubert Buydens – (Manawatu Turbos/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
2. Ray Barkwill – (Niagara Wasps RFC/Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON
3. Jason Marshall – (Atlantique Stade Rochelais) Vancouver, BC
4. Tyler Hotson – (London Scottish RFC) Vancouver, BC
5. Jamie Cudmore – (ASM Clermont Auvergne) Squamish, BC
6. Jebb Sinclair – (London Irish/Atlantic Rock) Fredericton, NB
7. John Moonlight – (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON
8. Tyler Ardron – Captain (Ospreys/Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON
9. Gordon McRorie – (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
10. Harry Jones – (UBCOB Ravens/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
11. Taylor Paris – (SU Agen Lot-et-Garonne) Barrie, ON
12. Nick Blevins – (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
13. Ciaran Hearn – (Castaway Wanderers/Atlantic Rock) Conception Bay South, NL
14. Jeff Hassler – (Ospreys/Prairie Wolf Pack) Okotoks, AB
15. James Pritchard – (Bedford Blues) Parkes, NSW, Australia
16. Andrew Tiedemann – (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB
17. Aaron Carpenter – (Cornish Pirates RFC) Brantford, ON
18. Jake Ilnicki – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Williams Lake, BC
19. Jon Phelan – (Castaway Wanderers/Atlantic Rock) Montreal, QC
20. Adam Kleeberger – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) White Rock, BC
21. Phil Mack – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
22. Connor Braid – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
23. DTH van der Merwe – (Glasgow Warriors) Regina, SK

CW Rugby likes the look of Saturday's selections.  The choice for the halves pairing is most intriguing, empathy going to Phil Mack......perhaps McRorie off the bench, so the jury is out at #9.  We really like the choice of Jones at #10.  He is proving every time out what a tough customer he can be and the instantaneous decision making he regularly displays in Sevens makes him a good candidate for this selection.  This pivot spot is critical in the modern game.

The forward pack is solid and we look to the loosies to dominate a quick Japanese trio.  Blevins has shown great late season form and Hearn has become a handful.  The pace on the flanks has terrific potential with both of the wingers at the top of their game.  Pritch at caretaker, is money. Ardon has obviously gained considerable maturity and hopefully his youthful passion will not get in the way.  It is a very strong bench which could come in handy in the later stages.

It could be said that the side has a little "CW/James Bay" look to it, but only by a rabid parochial! All these boys, despite having played some club footie, are now died in the wool Maple Leafs, ready to give for the cause!  We wish the team well.  As stated yesterday, they will have their work cut out for them but being a betting man, I would have a few dollares at even money, although Japan may be favorites by 2.5 - 3.5 points.  If you can't make it to Swanguard in Burnaby, the site of many memorable Internationals, take it in on TSN at 6:00 p.m., live!  Go, Canada, go!