Local Derby

Tomorrow promises an interesting offering at MacDonald Park as cross-town rivals meet to ascertain season’s superiority. Going in, CW won back in September, 29 – 14 and James Bay came back with a lop-sided 54 – 17 win in November. Selections will be interesting as Rugby Canada announced yesterday the 26 players it is taking to Fiji, departing on March 5^th. It appears that “Captain Canada”, Hubert Bydens is in the CW pack, although Kleeberger and Ilnicki are unavailable, Morris also will be recuperating, so the backline that has had some consistency will be re-jigged. Leadership and experience will be paramount in this match and Barkwill (four times, CRC MacTier Cup Champ with the Blues) and Buydens (Manawatu, NPC Champs, 2014), have this in spades and will have a lot on their shoulders. No matter who starts for either club, it is guaranteed to be another classic battle with the hosts wanting to hang onto their fourth place slot and the visitors hoping to leap-frog Ravens, out of the cellar. James Bay will want to continue to ride the back of Harriman, described as a “train” in their victory over The Thunderbird and CW will be looking for a continuation of a solid base and quick distribution to utilise their outside pace.

The Pacific Nations Championship, held in Suva for Tier Two Nations domestic players, will see Canada line up against Junior Japan; Samoa A and Pampas XV. Other countries represented will be the hosts and Tonga A. Tomorrow would have been a great opportunity to see head to head, passionate, domestic competition as CW has Buydens, Ilnicki, Kleeberger and Barkwill selected and James Bay has DeGoede, Pearson and Wilson-Ross. Selections for tomorrow will depend on “health” of players and obviously players such as Kleebs and Jake, possibly nursing some niggles, have opted to rest. CW congratulates ALL 26 players selected and we specifically note guys who wear The Tricolor – Barkwill, Buydens, Hearn, Ilnicki and Kleeberger. As to the overall selection, it is interesting to note what will be a strong reliance on Sevens players, Duke, Jones, Kay, Moonlight, Trainor and White. These boys will be moving on to Hong Kong, a matter of `mere days ‘after the PNC`s which finish on March 23 (finals day) after four games in a duration of thirteen days. Players such as Fuli and Scholtzie for CW are not in this weekend`s lineup nor the touring party, so will no doubt be expected to carry a heavy load in the Sevens leg after a good period of `refreshment`….. (Editorial pov).

Whilst on the topic of plaudits, CW is proud to announce and congratulate Rogie Robinson, on his selection as assistant to this season`s version of the B.C. Bears. This is very deserving recognition for a long term of coaching success at the club and representative levels. 'onya, Rogie!