With Argentina all but certain to topple Uruguay, the competition’s eyes turn to the second match of the day to determine if there will be a credible challenge to the title come Saturday. If Canada wins, it will be a winner take all match against Argentina on Saturday. If they lose, any of three teams could mathematically take the tournament, but the Jaguars would be firmly in the hot seat.

The Canucks produced a strong display against Uruguay and have kept the majority of the side intact. Tyler Ardron will lead again from no8 and Toni Wodzicki is also retained, but switches to his more accustomed blindside flanker position. This looks to give more balance to the back row as specialist openside Alistair Clark comes in to compete at the breakdown. Big Aaron Flagg starts at lock, while Creag Johnston and Ray Barkwill start in the front row.

In the backs flyhalf Connor Braid switches positions with fullback Liam Underwood, while Jordan Wilson-Ross starts on the wing in place of Josh Hart. With Sean White not considered due to a fractured thumb Kyle Armstrong remains the only scrumhalf in the squad, with Clayton Meeres offering emergency cover.

Meanwhile the Americans have also, somewhat surprisingly, opted for only five changes to the side that was soundly beaten by the Jaguars on Friday night. Tighthead Zach Fenoglio was given a torrid time in the scrums and is replaced by Tony Purpura, while Derek Asbun’s ankle injury means Stan Moa’ali’i comes in at hooker. Lineout tower Nick Civetta comes in for Tom Katzfey at lock, while the back row remains the same but sees Cameron Dolan and Taylor Mokate switch spots. Dolan’s captains duel with Ardron in the lineout should be a real battle.

After a shaky kicking performance against Argentina, Gearoid McDonald has been offered an immediate shot at redemption, only this time with a new halfback partner in nippy Shaun Davies. Zach Pangelinan, who looked out of place on the wing, swaps places with fullback Chris Chapman, while the impressive Miles Craigwell earns the other wing spot. On the bench are rookies Joe Cowley, Casey Clark, and man-mountain Eric Duechle, who will surely get a chance to show off his power running at some point.

These Can-Am matches are always full on, and there’s no reason to expect this one to be any different. Both teams have kept the bulk of their XVs intact so continuity shouldn’t be an issue, though the Americans definitely lacked in the department on Friday. On paper the sides look of similar strength but Canada will come in confident and energized, while the US will be on their heels somewhat. In the end this could come down to which pair of halfbacks imposes their will on the game. Gearoid McDonald has shown that he has a big boot but can he find his accuracy? Can Shaun Davies provide quicker service and get the US moving on the front foot? Can Liam Underwood find gaps in the US defense? Expect an improvement from the Americans, but not quite enough to find victory. Canada takes a close game and pulls away slightly at the end winning by 10.

CANADA
Connor Braid; Jordan Wilson-Ross, Nick Blevins, Patrick Parfrey, Clayton Meeres; Liam Underwood, Kyle Armstrong; Creag Johnston, Ray Barkwill, Doug Wooldridge; Aaron Flagg, Jon Phelan; Toni Wodzicki, Alistair Clark, Tyler Ardron (capt.). RES: Owen Parfrey, Hubert Buydens, Jacob Rumball, Chris Long, Seb Pearson, Zac Coughlan, Patrick Kay, Josh Hart.

UNITED STATES
Zach Pangelinan; Miles Craigwell, Dean Gericke, Jack Tracy, Chris Chapman; Gearoid McDonald, Shaun Davies; Nick Wallace, Stan Moa’ali’i, Tony Purpura; Nick Civetta, Graham Harriman; Taylor Mokate, John Quill, Cameron Dolan (capt.). RES: Zach Fenoglio, Tim Paulsen, AN Other, Kris Headlee, Eric Duechle, Benny Mateialona, Casey Clark, Joe Cowley.