Test matches of real quality are hard to come by for Canada, so in that respect meeting Samoa and the Maori is exciting, albeit a bit overwhelming. Coach Kieran Crowley will use this tour to expose some young talents to tough competition. Included in the streamlined 26 player squad are nine members of the ARC squad and six from the Gold Coast 7s side, underlining Canada’s dependence on all available IRB sponsored competitions.

FRESH FACES

Inspirational hooker Ray Barkwill looks to make his international debut at the ripe old age of 32. After spending time with the Western Force A squad he has returned to Canada and impressed enough in the ARC to win his spot.

Out of the national loop since 2010, veteran scrumhalf Eric Wilson has been called into the squad to replace Phil Mack. Diminutive but fiercely competitive, his first cap will come well-deserved if a bit late.

Strong form on the IRB 7s circuit finds Harry Jones selected again after being included in the spring training squad. Primarily a fullback but also a capable flyhalf, expect him to see his first action against Russia.

ONES TO WATCH

One of the bright young stars sure to feature is Tyler Ardron. As captain of the ARC squad he showed real athleticism and lineout ability and can play second or back row.

Jebb Sinclair has etched himself into Canadian rugby lore by winning a Currie Cup with Western Province. Look for an expanded leadership role and physical presence from the big man.

First capped on the 2010 November tour, Connor Braid has worked himself back into test contention showing his versatility and skills in the ARC. Capable of playing flyhalf, centre, or fullback, he gives Canada a legitimate goal kicking alternative to James Pritchard.

After a big season on the IRB 7s circuit speedster Taylor Paris secured a contract with Glasgow Warriors. Despite only just turning 20 much is expected from the prodigious talent.

ON BORROWED TIME

Even though injuries and unavailability have handed new boy Eric Wilson a chance for his first caps, expect to see him pushed back down the ladder in the new year.

Fullback James Pritchard has been an outstanding servant after nearly a decade as Canada’s first choice kicker and fullback. At age 32 he shows no sign of slowing, but with exciting young prospects on the way one has to wonder how much longer he’ll be able to keep going.

NOTABLE ABSENTEES

Twin front rowers Dan and Mike Pletch are both on the disabled list, though there is no guarantee either would have been selected on form anyway.

Former Mont-de-Marsan lock Luke Tait has been out of the test side since 2010 and remains on the sidelines injured. At 31, his window for a test return is quickly closing.

Bruising Clermont enforcer Jamie Cudmore is unavailable, but has stated that he isn’t finished with Canada just yet, though at age 34 he also doesn’t have much time left.

Outstanding World Cup flanker Adam Kleeberger is recovering following shoulder surgery.

Scrumhalves Jamie Mackenzie and Phil Mack, winger Sean Duke, and centre Conor Trainor are all unavailable due to school commitments.

World Cup halfback pair Ed Fairhurst and Ander Monro have retired from international rugby after distinguished careers.

Mike Scholz and D.T.H. van der Merwe, the starting centres from the June tests, are both out with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

FORM GUIDE

With only three tests so far this year it’s been a quiet one for the Canuck senior side. While they did well enough to win two of them the performances were spotty and largely error-strewn. The A side played well in the Americas Rugby Championship, winning two out of three and competing well against the heavily favoured Jaguars from Argentina.

09 June – 28-25 win vs United States (Kingston)
15 June – 16-25 loss vs Italy (Toronto)
23 June – 31-12 win vs Georgia (Vancouver)

THE BIG PICTURE

This is a young squad, particularly in the backs, with eyes firmly fixed on the World Cup. Victories over Pacific Nations Cup champions Samoa and the New Zealand Maori are too much to ask at this point, but will provide valuable experience going forward. If Canada can get a win over Russia and keep from getting blown out in defeat, the tour will be a success.

FIXTURES

09 November – Samoa (Colwyn Bay)
17 November – Russia (Colwyn Bay)
23 November – NZ Maori (Oxford)