Canada kicks off its season against old rival Japan, a team they haven’t managed better than a draw against in nearly a decade. With nearly all of their top players available and home field advantage, the Canucks will hope to finally avenge the World cup draw that cost them a third place pool finish and a significant chunk of IRB funding. The Brave Blossoms are also at full strength, however, and have already played and won five tests in recent weeks.
Gordon McRorie is the most notable inclusion in the Canadian side. Having impressed in last week’s trial match the Scottish-born scrumhalf wins his debut ahead of Phil Mack, with the latter resigned to bench duty for now after a long 7s season. Outside McRorie is Harry Jones, somewhat of a surprise selection given Connor Braid’s positive performance a week ago and Jones’ absence from the match entirely. Kieran Crowley has chopped and changed his no10 ever since Ander Monro’s retirement and Canadian fans must hope that he makes up his mind sooner rather than later with a World Cup looming in just over a year’s time.
Conor Trainor’s indifferent form has cost him a spot in the midfield, with incumbents Nick Blevins and Ciaran Hearn preferred. Excellent seasons with Agen and Ospreys respectively see Taylor Paris and Jeff Hassler hold down the wing, and up front there is real solidity with Jamie Cudmore available thanks to Clermont’s early finish. With Aaron Carpenter left on the bench in his new hooking role, Tyler Ardron takes over both the captaincy and the no8 spot.
Japan field a very experienced side, and have all four of their Super Rugby exponents at their disposal. Fumiaki Tanaka and Harumichi Tatekawa are as potent a halfback combination as they have ever fielded, while Melbourne Rebels duo Shota Horie and Male Sa’u provide strength and leadership up front and out wide. Justin Ives fills in for injured Michael Broadhurst as primary lineout target, while shifty Akihito Yamada covers for speed merchant Kenki Fukuoka.
Record cap-holder Hitoshi Ono eclipses even Cudmore in age and experience, and a new captain of their own is outstanding openside Michael Leitch, a former Chiefs development squad player. Neither side would be advised to give away too many penalties as opposing fullbacks James Pritchard and Ayumu Goromaru are each high level sharpshooters.
While Canada field the bigger pack, the Japanese scrum is technically very sound and their short props have a distinct leverage advantage over their Canadian counterparts. Their lineout is also usually of a high standard. Canada will need to win the collisions through the likes of Cudmore and Jebb Sinclair, and use Blevins and Hearn to get solid go-forward up the middle. This match is really a toss-up and it will likely come down to a late penalty for the win. Pick the home side to finally get one over but by the slimmest of margins. Canada by 3.
CANADA vs JAPAN
Saturday, June 7, 21:00 EST, Vancouver
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
Assistants: Greg Garner (RFU) & Nick Ricono (USARU)
TMO: n/a
