Canada took a 3-0 lead in the early going off a penalty kick from James Pritchard before Wales scored a try to take the lead 5-3 midway through the first half.

With just a few minutes until half Pritchard launched a monster kick in the closed roof stadium - hitting from 49 metres to retake the lead 6-5. Then just before the half - Leigh Halfpenny - on his debut scored a sparkling try - to put Wales into the change room at the interval with a less than certain 10-6 lead over Canada.

Canada was much more impressive and confident on the night compared to the rain soaked disaster in Limerick six days ago. The tackles were numerous and well thought out - defense organized - and rarely did Canada go to panic stations in open play - thwarting wave after wave of attacks with convincing tackles into touch.

In the second half the cracks appeared at times in the Canuck defense, but the real problems were in the scrum- where two penalty tries on the Canadian line showed where Wales was really putting the pressure on. With the score 27-6 Canada was still interested in playing some rugby and on the ensuing kick-off Calgary’s Ryan Smith stepped into a Welsh passing play at mid-field to race fifty metres for the try under the posts.

James Pritchard converted to bring the score to 27-13 - and this in turn invigorated the Canadians - who upped the tempo - creating break downs and consternation in the Welsh camp.

Near full time it was Halfpenny getting his second of the night for the dream debut - and a final score of 34-13 to Wales.

Jebb Sinclair makes his first full start in a Canadian jersey after winning two caps off the bench in Portugal and Ireland. In the second row Mike Burak moves to the replacements bench in favour of Tyler Hotson, who came on against Ireland in the second half.

The rest of the Canadian lineup stays intact, though coach Kieran Crowley will be looking for an improvement over last Saturday’s outing.

“I think against Ireland we were on our back foot from nearly the beginning,” said Crowley - who indicated the officiating was frustrating for his young team in the first half, though he was quick to add, “it certainly wasn’t the cause of we played ultimately.”

Crowley says that the work rate displayed by Sinclair and Hotson following their insertion into the game against the Irish was the leading factor in making the changes.

There is also one change on the bench - as Dean Van Camp replaces Phil Mackenzie.

Wales have named a side with twelve changes from the team that lost to South Africa last weekend - but is positioning for a big game next weekend against New Zealand. Canada opened its European tour with a victory over Portugal 21-13 on November 1st, before falling to Ireland 55-0 in Limerick. It will finish its tour in Aberdeen, taking on Scotland.

Canada XV to face Wales
15. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC) 14. Ciaran Hearn (Baymen RFC) 13. Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians) 12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish) 11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion) 10. Ander Monro (Colorno, IT) 9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates) 8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins) 7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria Vikings) 6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers) 5. Josh Jackson (Stade Bordelais) 4. Tyler Hotson (Northern Suburbs) 3. Jon Thiel (Bayside Sharks) 2. Pat Riordan (c) (University of Victoria Vikings) 1.Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements: 16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians) 17. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC) 18. Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates) 19. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion) 20. Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic Association) 21. Matt Evans (Hartpury College) 22. Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians)

Coach: Kieran Crowley
Asst Coach: John Tait
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Goodale
Managers: Rodger Swany, Des Lynch
Press Officer: Doug Crosse
Massage Therapist: Kim Mark Goldsworthy
Physiotherapists: Ben Suen, Darren Wharrie
Team Doctor: Dr. Lemoine
Video Analyst: Peter Huigenbos

With a solid night of sleep - and each player absorbing the loss in his own way - it was back to work on Monday.

Most of the UK is in the grip of heavy rain, wind and low temperatures and the prinicipality was no different as the first session was moved on to artificial turf at Glamorgan RFC, as regular pitches were waterlogged.

The team got back to basics - and will be building towards Friday night’s match against the Welsh - in what is expected to be a sold out Millennium Stadium.
Coach Kieran Crowley acknowledges that the game against Ireland was a tough one - but he also sees the long view - and the lessons gained from that match for some of the newer players in the squad will pay dividends down the road.

“You play the best teams in the world and get a measure of where you are at,” offered Crowley, who has six games as Coach with the Canadian squad under his belt. “It was a tough game for us - but we had some good patches - there were some positives.

“But you know - in the end the pace of the game and the physicality and the pace they played at showed. We got off to a dreadful start - we got a little shell shocked I think.

“We’ve got Wales on Friday - a six day turn around and it comes up on you in a hurry.

“We’ve had a look at the game and addressed a few issues, and we will look at how we want to play against Wales and in five more days time we are out on the pitch against them.”

Phil Mackenzie, who got onto the pitch for his second cap against Ireland, says the experience gained on this tour has been enormous.

“You definitely learn a lot,” said the Oakville, Ontario native, who now lives in Victoria as part of the national carding program. “Every time you step on the field - I have probably learned more in the last two games than I have in a couple of seasons of club rugby.

“I think you have to take every experience and try and get better.”

On the aspect of touring - this veteran of the sevens circuit is enjoying life with the full fifteens version of the sport.

“It’s really great - really enjoying the experience,” said Mackenzie.

Crowley will be naming the team to face Wales on Wednesday.

The canadians were simply outmuscled from the first whistle and when Keith Earls scored a try in the third minute of play the day was always going to be long for the visitors.

The Irish played some very good football in parts and will take some real positives into their match with The All Blacks next week.

The Irish scored 8 tries in the match with the back 3 getting 5 of them.

Scorers

Ireland v Canada

Ireland
Tries: Earls, Kearney 2, Heaslip, Bowe 2, D Wallace, Quinlan
Cons: O’Gara 5, P Wallace
Pen: O’Gara

Canada

Tries:
Con:
Pen:
DG:

Ireland: Earls; Bowe, O’Driscoll, capt, Fitzgerald, Kearney; O’Gara, Reddan; Horan, Flannery, Buckley, O’Callaghan, O’Connell, Ferris, Jennings, Heaslip.
Replacements: R Best, Hayes, Quinlan, D Wallace, Stringer, P Wallace, Horgan.

Canada: Pritchard; Hearn, Keys, Smith, Mensah-Coker; Monro, Fairhurst; Tkachuk, Riordan, Thiel; Burak, Jackson; Stephen, Kleeberger, Carpenter.
Replacements: Pletch, Walsh, Hotson, Sinclair, Williams, Evans, Mackenzie.

After a tour opening 21-13 win over Portugal in Lisbon this past Saturday, Kieran Crowley and his coaching staff have zoned in on the mix they will need to handle a large and explosive Irish side who are playing their first test under the new Experimental Law Variations.

The last time Canada played Ireland was in 2000 in Toronto - a match that saw Ireland escape with a 27-27 draw on the power of then rookie fly-half Ronan O’Gara. Canada and Ireland have only played three times at the test level - the other two victories over the Canadians. A 1987 World Cup pool victory 46-19 and then a 33-11 win ten years later at Lansdowne Road.

With a mind to bring a challenge to the Irish at Thomond Park on Saturday the arrival of a number of Canada’s pro players from the UK and France - has bolstered the side with physicality and experience.

The front row is heavy with experience with Glasgow Warriors prop Kevin Tkachuk in for his 41st cap, while hooker Pat Riordan is in for his 18th start of his career and will captain the side. In at tight-head is veteran Jon Thiel - who scrums down for his 34th test appearance. Most recently Thiel played for a Canada squad against the French Barbarians this past June.

In the second row the big men of the Canadian forwards unit are getting the call with Cornish Pirate Mike Burak getting his 22nd cap, and Begles Bordeaux lock Josh Jackson winning his 19th start.

In the back row Plymouth Albion’s Sean Michael Stephen will look to wreak havoc on the Irish from the blind side flanker position - his 12th start in a Canada jersey at the test level. He will work with the highly mobile Adam Kleeberger who hits his 10th start.

At No. 8 - Brantford’s Aaron Carpenter continues to impress after a busy afternoon against the Portuguese.  He will be making his 19th start for Canada.

Pirates scrum-half Ed Fairhurst takes the no. 9 jersey from its interim holder - the newly un-retired Morgan Williams, who had a solid 80 minutes against Los Lobos. Fairhurst will combine with Colorno’s Ander Monro - who came out of the game against Portugal with a lower leg strain but is now fully on mended. It is Monro’s 9th Canada appearance.

In the centre’s Ryan Smith will play in his 39th test - the most in the Canadian backline. Simth will partner with Bryn Keys who win his third cap.

On the wing the lanky and fast Justin Mensah Coker will make his for his 11th start. On the opposite wing Newfoundland’s Ciarn Hearn wins his first start - making his progression in the 2008 remarkable with his debut in sevens - and his ascension for the Canada East squad in the North America Four.

The replacements bench offers a variety of cover - with 12 times capped Mike Pletch covering either a prop or hooker requirement, while uncapped Frank Walsh of Newfoundland is looking to be the second new cap of the day and third in a week from that eastern province after flanker Andrew Fagan started against Portugal last Saturday. Tyler Hotson will provide second row cover, while Jebb Sinclair of Fredericton, New Brunswick, will look to add another test appearance to his resume after covering two replacements last week against Los Lobos. He replaced Fagan for a blood substitution, setting up Adam Kleeberger for a try during his ten minutes on the pitch, and then replaced Stu Ault in the second row with twenty minutes to go.

Morgan Williams will be the cover at scrum-half - looking to get his cap count to an impressive 53. Uncapped Matt Evans - a 20 year old fly-half who plays at England’s Hartpury College, impressed in a Canada A selection against Gloucester RFC this past August. Coverage for the wing comes in the form of Phil Mackenzie - who won his first international cap last weekend against Portugal.

In naming the side Coach Kieran Crowley understands the significance of this autumn test series and how it will test a team that he has been molding for only eight months. The former Taranki coach and coach of the World Champion U19 New Zealand team in 2007 has been slowly crafting this team together - and says despite having to bring some new faces into the second week of the camp, it has been a relatively seamless process.

“The new guys have been great - getting stuck right in - and understanding what we are trying to achieve,” said Crowley from the team’s hotel in Limerick, Ireland. “It is a big test of this team - that is why they are called tests - and we have to see if the systems we are putting in place will stand up to what Ireland has to offer.”

He has enjoyed how close the team has grown since it has arrived in Portugal over a week ago. Team culture is a big part of any side he has been involved with - and he uses a variety of ways to impart that bonding which he feels is essential to the long term goals he has for Canada as preparations begin for the 2011 World Cup in his native New Zealand.

“You need to care about the people you play with on a rugby field, and feel that need to be there for each other,” Crowley said. “It’s not enough to just turn up and put the jersey on, you have to believe in the guys in that locker room - and know they will be there for you when things get tough. These guys aren’t there yet - but I sense they are getting close.”

Canada plays Ireland at Thomond Park - this Saturday - 5:15 local start - 12:15 EST - 9 :15 PST. The match is available on Setanta Sports Premium service (check local establishments in your area - or via Setanta Broadband or the Rugby Zone on Mediazone.com .

Canada XV to face Ireland
15. James Pritchard (Bedford Blues)
14. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
13. Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion)
10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria Vikings)
6. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion)
5. Josh Jackson (Bordeaux Begles)
4. Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates)
3. Jon Thiel (Bayside Sharks)
2. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria Vikings)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements:
16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians) 17. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC) 18. Tyler Hotson (Eastern Suburbs,(Aus) 19. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers) 20. Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic Association) 21. Matt Evans (Hartpury College) 22. Phil Mackenzie (University of Victoria Vikings)

Coach: Kieran Crowley
Asst Coach: John Tait
Forwards Coach: Kevin Wirachowski
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Goodale
Managers: Rodger Swany, Des Lynch
Press Officer: Doug Crosse
Massage Therapist: Sandra Bosich
Physiotherapists: Carrie Smith, Darren Wharrie
Team Doctor: Dr. John Ho
Video Analyst: Peter Huigenbos

Canada got on the board in the first half with a pair of James Pritchard penalties and the men in red were playing the majority of the rugby in Los Lobos end of the pitch.

Portugal responded with a Pedro Leal penalty to pull within three at 6-3.

Then a penalty against Portugal saw Canada kick to the corner and go for the drive from a lineout. Jebb Sinclair went for a big run to within five metres of the Canadian line where he then passed to his right to a trailing Adam Kleeberger who scored the first try of the match and an 11-3 advantage with only a minute to half time.

On the ensuing kick-off debutant fullback for Portugal, Pedro Silva kicked a high ball and chased it - with Morgan Williams bobbling the effort around 40 metres from the Canadian line. Silva timed it perfectly, getting to the ball and was away on clean heels over the Canadian line. With the Leal conversion Canada had only a one point lead 11-10 at half time.

In the second half the Portuguese made changes in the scrum - an area of contention for Canada - who had been driving the Lobos back in the first half encounters. That advantage seemed to dry up and the Portuguese played with fervour, making multiple trips in the Canadian half but coming away frustrated.

Pritchard hit for his third penalty to make it 14-10.

Portugal were pressing with a lineout five metres from the Canadian line - with the ball spreading to the left wing. A well timed Canadian tackle saw the ball go loose with James Pritchard picking it up and racing untouched for 70 metres and a crucial try. After taking a breather - Pritchard calmly slotted the extras for a 21-10 advantage.

Pedro Leal hit for a Portuguese penalty a few minutes later, but could not organize a final drive across the Canadian line - as they needed at least three scores to pull ahead of Canada. With no time left on the clock a Canadian scrum netted Morgan Williams the ball, and he kicked it back on an angle to secure the victory.

Canadian coach Kieran Crowley while satisfied with the win, admitted frustration at the lack of possession and territory in the second half.

“(Portugal) really took it to us in the second half - and we really didn’t have that many opportunties,” he offered. “I think our defense was great - and really kept Portugal out of the game, but we needed the ball more if we wanted to really open the match up - so Portugal did well in that respect.

“I think we need to really focus on the positives - but we need to look at the video and make the adjustments and put in some hard work this week ahead of the Ireland match.”

Pritchard was impressive with many attacking runs, precision kicking and the big try for 15 points. He nearly had two other scores from chip and chases that were a touch too long for the shallow five metre in-goal area at the stadium. He smiled when asked about the near tries.

“Yeah,” he said with a laugh. “That in-goal was pretty small. On the first one I was called for a knock-on but the only time I touched the ball was when I touched it down.

“On the second one - I chipped it and thought -’happy days’ but I didn’t see (Estevez) coming through and then he got to it and it was over.”

Pritchard says that while the team struggled in patches he was overall pleased with the work this young team has done in a short amount of time.

“It is so hard to bring so many new guys together and get it going right away,” offered the Bedford Blues player. “so we will come away with some positives from this win, but we know we have some big games ahead of us and a lot of hard work on the paddock this week.”

Coach for the Portuguese Tomaz Morais was ebullient about the effort his young charges put in.

“They did so well, I am very happy, despite the loss, on how we did today,” he said. “We have only ten players that went to the World Cup so lots of young players out there today.”

He says the try by Silva was key to keeping his side’s confidence heading into the half, but the runaway try by Pritchard probably had the opposite affect.

“We are down 14-10 and five metres out - in control, and then boom - Canada takes it the other way - very hard for the players,” he smiled ruefully.

The Portuguese will travel to Ireland on Sunday - as will Canada. Canada takes on Ireland in Limerick in one week, while Los Lobos take on Connacht and Ulster.

Portugal Scoring 13
Tries: Pedro Silva
Conversions: Pedro Leal
Penalties: Pedro Leal (2)
Drop-Goals:
Yellow Card: Juan Severino
Red Card:

Canada Scoring: 21
Tries: Adam Kleeberger, James Pritchard
Conversions: James Pritchard
Penalties: James Pritchard (3)
Drop-Goals:
Yellow Card:
Red Card:

Portugal Selections vs Canada
15. Pedro Silva (0), 14. Aderito Esteves (9), 13. Diogo Mateus (58 caps), 12. David Mateus (24 Caps), 11. Goncalo Foro (9), 10. Pedor Cabrabl (14 Caps), 9. Pedro Leal (26), 8. Vasco Uva (48), 7. Salvador Palha (4 caps), 6. Tiago Girao (13), 5. Juan Severino (16 Caps), 4. David dos Reis (uncapped), 3. Diogo Fialho (2), 2. Joao Corriea (38 Caps), 1. Joao junior (uncapped)

Replacements:
16. Juan Murre (10) prop 17. Duarte Figueriedo (5) hooker 18. Valter Jorge (1) second row 19. Julien Bardi (0) back row 20. Lourenco Kadosh (4) (scrumhalf) 21. Duarte Pinto (34) fly-half 22. Diogo Gama (12) centre

subs

Canada Selection vs Portugal (club/hometown)

15. James Pritchard (Bedford Blues (UK)/Sydney, Australia) 14. Phil Mackenzie* (University of Victoria Vikes/Oakville, ON) 13. Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians/Abbotsford, BC) 12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish/Caledon, ON) 11. Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians/Port Perry, ON), 10. Ander Monro (Colorno RFC (It), Edinburgh Scotland), 9. Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic Association/Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia) 8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins/Brantford, ON) 7.Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria Vikings/Victoria, BC) 6. Andrew Fagan (Swilers RFC/St.John’s, Newfoundland) 5.Stu Ault (Castaway Wanderers (Victoria)/Port Perry, ON) 4. Tyler Hotson (Vancouver, BC) 3. Mike Pletch (Lucan, ON) 2. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria Vikings/Burnaby, BC) 1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, Saskatchewan)

Replacements from:
16. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC/St. John’s, Newfoundland) 17.Travis Robertson (Velox Valhallians/Saskatoon SK) 18.Luke Cudmore (Capilano RFC/Squamish, BC) 19.Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers (Victoria)/Fredericton, New Brunswick) 20. Sean Duke (Vancouver, BC) 21.Sean White (James Bay Athletic Association) 22. Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria Vikings/Richmond, BC)

Subs

Coach: Kieran Crowley
Asst Coach: John Tait
Forwards Coach: Kevin Wirachowski
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Goodale
Managers: Rodger Swany, Des Lynch
Press Officer: Doug Crosse
Massage Therapist: Sandra Bosich
Physiotherapist: Carrie Smith
Team Doctor: Dr. John Ho

With fully ten players on the tour without international experience, Crowley and his selectors were able to draw a blended side that is full of
experience, though with a heavy reliance of youth coming off the replacements bench.

The most capped veteran of the side will be scrum-half Morgan Williams, who ends his now one year old retirement from international rugby with a start
against Portugal. The team will be captained by veteran hooker Pat Riordan - and features a forwards unit with one debutant in the starting rotation in
the form of Newfoundland’s Andrew Fagan at flanker.

Full time professional Kevin Tkachuk of the Glasgow Warriors gets the start at loosehead, with Riordan at hook, and Mike Pletch in the tight-head prop
position.

In the second row, Perth, Ontario’s Stu Ault gets his fourth cap, and partners with Hoston who will be getting his second cap for Canada.

The back row features pace from Fagan, who while technically a rookie - has played plenty of rugby leading up to this debut as a 24 year old, and Adam
Kleeberger who wins his 12th cap. At No. 8 is Brantford, Ontario native Aaron Carpenter - a veteran winning his 17th test start.

Morgan Williams will partner with Ander Monro - the Colorno, Italy clubman - who has been instrumental for his side at the fly-half spot. He will be
working directly with Ryan Smith, who will be at the inside centre spot for his 37th cap. Smith will pair with first year man Bryn Keys - who won his
first cap against the USA at the Churchill Cup.

On the wing Dean Van Camp marks his return to test rugby after injury kept him on the sidelines for most of the summer - as he will get his sixth cap.
Working across the pitch from him is sevens speedster Phil Mackenzie - who will be making his debut in the fifteens game at the test level.

Fullback sees the steady defensive ability and sniping speed of Bedford rugby’s James Pritchard, who will have his 21st cap in Canadian colours this
weekend.

From the replacements bench - fresh faces abound as Newfoundland prop frank Walsh and Saskatoon native Travis Roberston will be front row cover - and
will be getting their first caps should they get on the field. Luke Cudmore will be in as second row cover, with Jebb Sinclair (uncapped) can play both
second and back row.

In the back line reserves are two more uncapped players in the form of Sean Duke as a wing replacement option, and scrum-half - 20 year old Sean White.

Nathan Hirayama - also only 20, will cover off at fly-half.

In announcing the team, Crowley spoke of the process and the progress he has seen in this Canadian team over the course of his first year - and even in
the few days of this assembly in Portugal.

“I have seen them really mature over the summer - and for some of the new faces in the team, even over our few days here, as they learn new things and
get to know new teammates,” said Crowley. Earlier in the week he showed confidence in re-calling Morgan Williams from the retirement ranks - saying
, “(Williams) is still very fit and plays every weekend with his club James Bay and when you look at how he played at the World Cup last year it is a
very easy decision to come to.”

While the obvious goal for Saturday’s match is a victory - the team and Crowley reached a consensus on some bench mark goals to try and achieve - a
process that both shows the faith he has in his young team - but also the faith they have in him as a coach. While what exactly they are aiming for
remains an internal target - suffice it to say that players will be playing with some precise goals in mind as individuals and as a team - allowing that
process to roll up into a potentially satisfying result.

Canada plays Portugal 5 PM (GMT) (Noon Eastern, 9 AM Pacific) and currently it appears the game will not be available online for fans live - but on a
delayed basis until Monday night. If suitable internet coverage can be achieved at the stadium there may be an audio feed of the game - but at this
time this seems unlikely.

You can still get all the results including half-time updates from the Rugby Canada website - www.rugbycanada.ca

Canada continues its tour with stops in Ireland (Nov 8th), Cardiff, Wales (Nov 14th), and Aberdeen, Scotland (Nov 22nd).

*
Starting XV vs Portugal (club/hometown)*

15. James Pritchard (Bedford Blues (UK)/Sydney, Australia) 14. Phil
Mackenzie* (University of Victoria Vikes/Oakville, ON) 13. Bryn Keys (Velox
Valhallians/Abbotsford, BC) 12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish/Caledon, ON) 11.
Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians/Port Perry, ON), 10. Ander Monro (Colorno
RFC (It), Edinburgh Scotland), 9. Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic
Association/Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia) 8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford
Harlequins/Brantford, ON) 7.Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria
Vikings/Victoria, BC) 6. Andrew Fagan (Swilers RFC/St.John’s, Newfoundland)
5.Stu Ault (Castaway Wanderers (Victoria)/Port Perry, ON) 4. Tyler Hotson
(Norther Suburbs (Australia)/Vancouver, BC) 3. Mike Pletch (Lucan, ON) 2.
Pat Riordan (University of Victoria Vikings/Burnaby, BC) 1. Kevin Tkachuk
(Glasgow Warriors/Regina, Saskatchewan)

Replacements from:
16. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC/St. John’s, Newfoundland) 17.Travis Robertson
(Velox Valhallians/Saskatoon SK) 18.Luke Cudmore (Capilano RFC/Squamish, BC)
19.Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers (Victoria)/Fredericton, New Brunswick)
20. Sean Duke (University of Victoria/Vancouver, BC) 21.Sean White (James
Bay Athletic Association) 22. Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria
Vikings/Richmond, BC)

Coach: Kieran Crowley
Asst Coach: John Tait
Forwards Coach: Kevin Wirachowski
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Hotson
Managers: Rodger Swany, Des Lynch
Press Officer: Doug Crosse
Massage Therapist: Sandra Bosich
Physiotherapist: Carrie Smith
Team Doctor: Dr. John Ho

In order to qualify, the teams had to finish in the top two at the NAWIRA (North America West Indies Rugby Association) Sevens tournament this past weekend and both countries did so with very little resistance.

The U.S. Men’s Sevens Team went undefeated in the two-day event, beating Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Bermuda in the Cup bracket before meeting up with rival Canada in the final match of the tournament.

The Men’s Cup final featured a very physical match between the USA and Canada. The U.S. found itself on the board first after a kick across the field by Valenese Malifa made its way into the hands of Chris Wyles who ran it in for a try. Malifa converted and the U.S. went up to an early 7-0 lead. Canada would return the favor just before half, after a penalty by the U.S. would cost the Eagles the ball and would lead to the Canadians scoring seven points of their own.

Shortly after halftime, Canada would find the try line once again to hold the lead for the next several minutes at 12-7. It wasn’t until the final two minutes that the U.S. was able to see some space in the Canadian defense and send Justin Boyd through a gap off a switch pass to touch the ball down. Malifa converted to put the U.S. up by two with under a minute to play.

But, the U.S. wasn’t done yet as James Gillenwater dashed all hopes of a Canadian comeback with a quick maneuver on the outside to put the U.S. up by nine points as time wound down.

“Every game that we play against Canada is very, very close,” U.S. Sevens Coach Al Caravelli said. “And, it always comes down to who makes the most mistakes. Both of their tries were from turnovers by us. Our defense didn’t let us down, though, and I’m very pleased with all of our players’ performances today. They really gave it their all and that is all you can ask of a team.

“I have to give credit to the entire squad of 22 that we brought to our assembly the week before this event,” Caravelli added. “The reason this team was so successful was due to the fact that each and every one of the players in that assembly was pushing each other to perform to his potential and we couldn’t have been as competitive without that kind of mentality.”

The women’s Cup final between the USA and Canada fared slightly different, although every bit as competitive. The U.S. Women controlled the majority of possession in the first half, but after a penalty in their own 22 led to a Canadian try, the Eagles would find themselves trailing by seven at halftime.

Canada would score quickly in the second half to put the U.S. down by 14 headed into the final minutes of the match. But, sensing the need for desperate measures, the U.S. women came back and scored two tries of their own to tie the game by the final whistle.

The match went into sudden-death overtime, but not for long, as Canada’s Rosie Cobbett scored the game-ending try to give the Canadians a 19-14 victory.

“This was a huge win for us,” Canada’s Natasha Wesch said after the match. “Neither of us had been under a whole lot of pressure this weekend and we knew that if we kept our shape on defense and stuck to our game plan, we could compete.

“I’m happy with the way we played and that we did what we set out to do,” Wesch added.

“Our goal was to qualify for the RWC,” USA Women’s Sevens Coach Julie McCoy said after the match. “We would have liked to beat Canada, but we accomplished our main goal and were able to develop some newer players in the process. You learn a lot more when you lose, than when you win and when a game is that close, it really could go either way. It took true grit for our women to come back from 14-0 in the second half and I’m happy to see how resourceful and competitive these players really are.”

This NAWIRA Sevens Tournament also decided the annual Caribbean Cup Champions, a most admirable title among the West Indies teams in attendance. On the men’s side, Guyana won the title for the third year in a row, beating Bermuda 42-0 in the men’s third and fourth place playoff match. The Guyana women also took home the Caribbean honor, following a very competitive match against Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the day in which Guyana came out on top 15-5.

Saying he was deeply disappointed by the bad turn of events, coach for the Sevens team, Shane Thompson was stoic in speaking about the incident.

“He has gone some twenty events and played nearly every minute of every game, with no injuries,” ruminated Thompson from Victoria, BC, where the team is based. “That is the nature of sport though isn’t it - you can’t predict when things will happen.”

Thompson says the team was engaged in a light contact open play drill, where players go to ground to simulate a tackle. Mack was going to ground, when Neil Meechan’s knee made contact, resulting in the fracture.

Mack who has 20 caps on the Sevens circuit, was Canada’s leading scorer on the IRB circuit last season, and was ranked fourth in the overall scoring race. Thompson admits that Mack’s play making ability will be hard to replace but notes having veteran Morgan Williams in the side will help.

“Having Morgan is going to help a lot, and now it is a chance for other players to step up and fill other roles,” explained Thompson. “We have been hit hard by injuries, but the players rise to the occasion when things like this happen.”

New Brunswick’s Chauncey O’Toole will be brought into the squad - making for an extra forward in the team, but Thompson is not worried about replacing Mack’s spot with a forward.

“Really - when you look at Phil’s role - as a scrum-half in sevens there might be two or three scrums in a game, so it is more about getting playmakers on the field,” he said.

The nature of jaw fractures normally incurs at least six weeks of healing, though - the side effect is usually weight loss as normal diet is replaced by shakes and other nutrients taken via liquids.

National 15s coach Kieran Crowley, who is on his way to Ontario to watch two McCormick Cup semi-finals this weekend, said the loss of Mack to the European tour was hard news, but they would be considering their options over the weekend to replace the wiry speedster, who hails from Victoria.

Canada takes on Trinidad and Tobago and the Cayman Islands in their group on October 25th and 26th - and will be looking to finish in the top two of the event to advance to the Sevens World Cup in Dubai this coming March. Canada’s women’s team will also be at the tournament qualifying among nine countries.

With the first match in Lisbon taking place just outside the International Rugby Board window for access to professional based players - the reliance has been made on a number of Canada’s domestic based players, with the remainder of the tour tapping into the experience of some of the overseas based pros to take on three of the four home nations.

Familiar faces into the side include experienced front row and 41 times capped prop Kevin Tkachuk. He is joined by veteran prop/hooker Mike Pletch, and flanker Adam Kleeberger. Also into the fold are first year second rows Tyler Hotson and Luke Cudmore and back row/second row Stu Ault. Leading the side is hooker Pat Riordan - who is currently playing with the UVic Vikings of the Island Elite league.

In the backs Ander Monro has committed to the final three matches, while fullback/wing James Pritchard will be in for the whole tour and he will be one of several players coming from Nassau, in the Bahamas - following the Sevens World Cup qualifiers on Oct. 25th/26th. New A team caps from earlier this season include Matt Evans, the U20 fly-half, and Bryn Keys, who came into prominence during the Barclays Churchill Cup. Ryan Smith - who has moved back to Canada and is playing club rugby in Calgary is also in the side - with the ability to cover off at both fly-half and centre. Dean Van Camp - who has battled through some injury problems in 2008 is also slated into a wing spot for all legs of the tour.

Fly-half Nathan Hirayama has recovered from an arm injury sustained in June at the U20 World Championships -and will fight for inclusion in all four games. He is joined by U20 scrum-half Sean White, who has impressed through the NA4 this season. New Brunswick’s Jebb Sinclair will also be putting his hand up for selectors - as the rangy back row has shown a nose for the breakdown for Canada East - and also on the Sevens circuit.

A number of uncapped players that have participated in the North America Four and Rugby Canada Super League competitions are being rewarded for their hard work with their first international selections. They include Capilano RFC flanker Jason Marshall, University of Victoria’s Sean Duke, along with Newfoundlanders Andrew Fagan (back row) and Frank Walsh (prop).  Dan Gordon of the Toronto Scottish, who trialed at the recent camp at Shawnigan Lake has also gotten the nod for the Portugal and UK/Irish leg, while Velox Valhallians prop Travis Robertson figures into the tour selection for the whole tour as well.

Coming into the last three games of the tour will be some familiar names to Canadian team fans with Cornish Pirates lock Mike Burak, and Josh Jackson of Stade Bordelais providing some height in the line against Ireland, Wales and Scotland. In the back row Sean Michael Stephen, who is at Plymouth Albion of England’s National Division One will be a force to reckon with, while John Thiel will provide some experience in the front row. Ed Fairhurst also joins Canada starting with the test against Ireland. He has been enjoying success in his second season with the Cornish Pirates.

A big add on the wing will be Justin Mensah-Coker, who made the shift from Albi in France to play in England’s National Division One with Plymouth Albion.

This tour is one of the most challenging ever undertaken by a Canadian team in a non-World Cup year, and while Coach Kieran Crowley is disappointed that not all players were available due to injury, he is satisfied the group selected is ready for the task at hand.

“We have seen a fair few players through the course of this season, so we are very confident in our selections I would have to say,” said Crowley from his Victoria, BC office. “We have a good mix of veterans - with a few new guys who will get an opportunity to show us what they can do.

“This tour will be an important measure of how we are progressing - and it will be good to see these players in some pressure situations to see how they do.”

Some of the players not available for all or a portion of the tour include prop Hubert Buydens, second row Luke Tait, flanker Nanyak Dala and wing DTH van der Merwe - to name a few. But with the number of games Crowley and selectors have seen - coupled with the recent camp held at Shawnigan Lake - the confidence is growing that the new brand of rugby the former All Black has been shaping will come to bear.

Canada’s Schedule to Portugal, Ireland, Wales and Scotland
Canada vs Portugal @ Lisbon – November 1st  kick-off 15:00 local – University of Lisbon Stadium
Canada vs Ireland @ Limerick – November 8th  kick-off 17:15 local – Thomond Park
Canada vs Wales @ Cardiff – November 14th  kick-off 19:15 local – Millennium Stadium
Canada vs Scotland @ Aberdeen – November 23rd  kick-off 17:15 local - Pittodrie

Canadian Team Selection for Portugal (Current Club/hometown)
Stu  Ault   Castaway Wanderers/Perth, ON
Aaron Carpenter  Cowichan RFC, UK/Brantford, ON
Luke Cudmore unattached/Squamish, BC
Sean Duke     University of Victoria/Vancouver, BC
Matt  Evans   Hartpury College, UK/Cowichan, BC
Andrew Fagan  Swilers/St. John’s, NFLd
Dan Gordon Toronto Scottish/Toronto, ON
Ciaran  Hearn    Castaway Wanderers/St. John’s, NFLD
Nathan  Hirayama          University of Victoria, Vancouver, BC
Tyler  Hotson  Northern Suburbs-Aus/Vancouver, BC
Bryn Keys     Velox Valhallians/Abbotsford, BC
Adam Kleeberger        University of Victoria/Victoria, BC
Phil  Mack    James Bay Athletic Association/Victoria, BC
Philip  Mackenzie    University of Victoria/Oakville, ON
Jason Marshall      Capilano RFC/West Vancouver, BC
Ander Monro   Colorno RFC, Italy/Edinburgh, Scotland
Mike  Pletch   Velox Valhallians/Lucan, ON
James Pritchard   Bedford Blues/Sydney, Aus.
Pat  Riordan ©  University of Victoria/Burnaby Lake, BC
Travis Robertson     Velox Valhallians/Saskatoon, SK
Jebb Sinclair Castaway Wanderers/Fredericton, NB
Ryan Smith    Calgary Irish/Brampton, ON
Kevin Tkachuk    Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK
Dean Van Camp   Velox Valhallians/Port Perry, ON
Frank Walsh   Vandals/St. John’s, NL

Canadian Team Selection for Portugal (Current Club/hometown)
Stu Ault      Castaway Wanderers/Perth, ON
Mike Burak    Cornish Pirates/Vancouver, BC
Aaron Carpenter          Cowichan RFC, UK/Brantford, ON
Luke  Cudmore     unattached/Squamish, BC
Sean  Duke     University of Victoria/Vancouver, BC
Matt   Evans   Hartpury College/Cowichan, BC
Ed Fairhurst           Cornish Pirates/Victoria, BC
Dan Gordon Toronto Scottish/Toronto, ON
Ciaran Hearn    Castaway Wanderers/St. John’s NL
Nathan Hirayama          University of Victoria/Vancouver, BC
Tyler  Hotson Northern Suburbs/Vancouver, BC
Josh  Jackson            Stade Bordelais/Vancouver, BC
Bryn  Keys     Velox Valhallians/Abbotsford, BC
Adam  Kleeberger        U Vic Vikes/Victoria, BC
Phil Mack    James Bay Athletic Association/Victoria, BC
Philip Mackenzie         University of Victoria/Oakville, ON
Jason Marshall            Capilano RFC/West Vancouver
Justin Mensah-Coker   Plymouth Albion/Vancouver, BC
Ander Monro   Colorno, Italy/Edinburgh, Scotland
Mike Pletch   Velox Valhallians/Lucan, ON
James  Pritchard           Bedford Blues/Sydney, Australia
Pat Riordan©          University of Victoria/Burnaby Lake, BC
Travis Robertson         Velox Valhallians/Saskatoon, SK
Jebb Sinclair Castaway Wanderers/Fredericton, NB
Ryan Smith    Calgary Irish/Brampton, ON
Sean Michael    Stephen    Plymouth Albion/Oakville, ON
John Thiel     Burnaby Lake/White Rock, BC
Kevin Tkachuk      Glasgow Warriors/Regina, Saskatchewan
Dean Van Camp     Velox Valhallians/Port Perry, ON
Frank Walsh   Vandals/St. John’s, NL
Sean  White    James Bay Athletic Association/Victoria, BC

Unavailable for selection for all or a portion of tour: Hubert Buydens, Jamie Cudmore, Nanyak Dala*, Sam Jenkins, Stan McKeen*, David Spicer, Luke Tait, Andrew Tiedemann, Nick Trenkel, DTH van der Merwe, Andrew Wilson, Colin Yukes

*Available for later portion of tour

Non-traveling reserves: Jordan Allers, Michael Barbieri, Nick Blevins, Nanyak Dala, Thyssen de Goede, Scott Franklin, Ryan Hamilton, Harry Jones, Jordan Kozina, Tony La Carte, Stan McKeen, Chauncey O’Toole, Dave Ramsey, Luke Tait, Sean White, Doug Wooldridge

Staff
Kieran   Crowley   Head coach
John     Tait       Assistant Coach
Morgan Williams            Skills Coach
Kevin    Wirachowski      Forwards Coach Portugal/Ireland
Peter    Huigienbos       Video Analyst – Wales/Scotland
Des      Lynch   Program Manager NSMT
Rodger Swany  Program Manager NSMT
Dr John   Ho        Physican, Portugal/Ireland
Dr Joe  LeMoine   Physican, Wales/Scotland
Sandra  Bosich  Massage Therapist/Portugal/Ireland
Carrie    Smith    Physiotherapist, Portugal/Ireland
Kim Mark Goldsworthy Massage Therapist, Wales/Scotland
Darren  Warrie   Athletic Therapist, Ireland/Wales/Scotland
Ben      Suen     Physiotherapist, Wales / Scotland
Doug Crosse - Press Officer – Video Technician