Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

Three Steps to RWC

The ARCs return to Westhills this Saturday. Coach Crowley describes the ARCs; the November tests selections and a March camp; as being the end of much in-depth observation of players who will be selected to represent Canada in next year’s RWC. From a CW p.o.v., one parochially ogles the names of Woolridge, Barkwill, Flagg, Dala, Panga and MacKenzie and muses what a difference any, or all of these boys might make to the local club in its current campaign. From a totally different perspective, one can do nought but admire the sacrifices these men have made for many years to pursue their dreams. We must wish them the very best and support them in their efforts.

Today’s pic-of-the-day shows Mike Pyke and Derek Daypuck representing Canada in the 2007 RWC final Pool game against Australia in Bordeaux. Let’s wind the clock back. We have reported Pykie’s success with the “aerial Ping-Pong” code since then and now we have Pucker putting forward a strong case for another RWC. We know Derek very well on the west coast from his days with the Pride and six seasons with The Tricolors. He has captained Ontario for the past two years and played on all four MacTier Cup winning teams. In doing so, he has put forward a solid body of work for selectors to ponder and we wish him well.

Canada opens their cause in the “late” game on Saturday when they play Uruguay at 4:30 k.o. at Westhills Stadium. The curtain-raiser features U.S.A. and Argentina who will no doubt, be ‘cock-o-the-hoop’ after their senior Puma team mates knocked off the Wallabies last weekend. The Argies have won the first two ARCs and will be “odds on” to do it again. So, BIG things for Canada men’s’ rugby this weekend! CW wishes all, the best of luck.

(Ed. Starting XV not announced as yet.)

BC Rugby Elite Youth 7's (BCEY7's) will be hosting several sessions in October to identify boys for both U16 (Born in 1999 & 2000) and U18 (born in 1997 & 1998) age groups who will be competing in the Las Vegas 7's in February.

Elite athletes for both U16 (Born in 1999 & 2000) and U18 (born in 1997 & 1998) are encouraged to attend these identification sessions as it is the first step in selection for the 2014/2015 BCEY7's competitive year, which will potentially include a 7's National Championships, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Germany, Victoria International and more.