Canada Squad for November Tests.

[LittleGuy]

Roster was announced for Canada's November Tour and there are some notable absenses, as Jamie Cudmore, DTH Van De Merwe, Adam Kleeberger and Ed Fairhurst are unavailable. I think the squad is probably still strong enough to beat Russia, but Samoa may be just a little out of reach barring a perfect performance(or Samoa taking this side too lightly).

Here is the squad.

Hookers.

Ray Barkwill (Niagara, Oakville Crusaders/Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON
Ryan Hamilton (Capilano/Pacific Tyee) West Vancouver, BC

Props.

Hubert Buydens (Saskatoon Wild Oats/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
Jason Marshall (Aurillac) North Vancouver, BC
Andrew Tiedemann (FC Auch Gers) St. Albert, AB
Doug Wooldridge (Lindsay RFC/Ontario Blues) Lindsay, ON

Locks.

Tyler Hotson (London Scottish RFC) Vancouver, BC
Jebb Sinclair (Western Province/London Irish) Charters Settlement, NB*(Will likely play here with this squad, might also play in back row)
Jon Phelan (Ste-Anne-de-Bellvue/The Rock) Montreal, QC
Brett Beukeboom (Plymouth Albion RFC) Lindsay, ON

Loose Forwards.

Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
Aaron Carpenter (Plymouth Albion RFC) Brantford, ON
Tyler Ardron (Brantford Harlequins/Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON
Chauncey O'Toole (The Rock/ Belle Isle RFC) Belleisle, NB

Scrum Half.

Sean White (James Bay AA/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
Eric Wilson (Meraloma Rugby Club) Delta, BC

Fly Half.

Harry Jones (Capilano/ Pacific Tyee) North Vancouver, BC
Connor Braid (James Bay AA/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
Matt Evans (Cornish Pirates) Duncan, BC(Will possibly play here with this squad can also play in the backs, at CT and FB )

Backs.

Nick Blevins (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
Jeff Hassler (Okotoks RFC/Prairie Wolf Pack) Okotoks, AB
Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers/The Rock) Conception Bay, NL
Phil Mackenzie (London Welsh) Oakville, ON
James Pritchard (Bedford Blues) Parkes, NSW, Australia
Taylor Paris (Glasgow Warriors) Barrie, ON
John Moonlight (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON

Note
Phil Mack (UVic Vikes/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC * Named to side but withdrew a few days later due to Schooling commitments, was replaced by Eric Wilson.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Is Chauncey O'Toole still with Bridgend then?

 

[Draggs]

Is Chauncey O'Toole still with Bridgend then?

He hasn't played for them this season by the looks of it.

 

[LittleGuy]

I agree PD Matt Evans has had a rebirth at Pirates, he can pretty much play anywhere from #10-15, so I expect Crowley to put him in where he bests fit's in to the rest of the puzzle.

I honestly didn't know that Chauncey O'Toole was still at Brigend either, I thought he was just going to be part of the 7's setup this year for Canada I guess Rugby Canada knows more than I do unless it's a pretty brutal mistake on their part(or he is joining them after the first part of the 7's campaign). Speaking of 7's I think that a large portion of this squad were chosen because they will be flying straight to Dubai after the series of games for example Mack hasn't been in the XV's in a while.

I think the starting XV could be fairly decent but the bench and reserves lack experience or are more 7's players by training. This would be my preferred lineup.

1. Hubert Buydens
2. Ray Barkwill(alternating with Hamilton, Barkwill has had more gametime recently and is much better in set pieces)
3. Jason Marshall
4. Jebb Sinclair(has to be used here instead of 8 where he is better)
5. Tyler Hotson
6. Nanyak Dala
7. Chauncey O'Toole
8. Aaron Caprenter(I assume he will be captain of the side if not probably Pritchard)
9. Sean White
10. Matt Evans
11. Phil Mackenzie
12. Nick Blevins
13. Jeff Hassler
14. Taylor Paris
15. James Pritchard

16. Ryan Hamilton
17. Andrew Tieddeman
18. Doug Wooldridge
19. Brett Beukeboom
20. Tyler Ardron
21. Phil Mack
22. Connor Braid
23. Ciaran Hearn

Reserves.

Jon Phelan
Harry Jones
John Moonlight

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Found this ... http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=3817&leagueid=11332&page=64459

Say's he plays for Belle Isle RFC

 

[LittleGuy]

Found this ... http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=3817&leagueid=11332&page=64459

Say's he plays for Belle Isle RFC

Yeah that makes sense and he also played for the Rock this season but their press release for the roster says otherwise....I'll edit in the Rock until we hear otherwise, since it's sidetracking the rest of the convo. And by the sounds of it, it's a classic Rugby Canada screwup.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Ye seen the press release on the site, would be interesting to know if he has signed something with the Ravens or its a bit of a mistake on the website.

I wish I could make the games up in North Wales. Would have made a massive effort had Ed been there.

 

[LittleGuy]

Ye seen the press release on the site, would be interesting to know if he has signed something with the Ravens or its a bit of a mistake on the website.

I wish I could make the games up in North Wales. Would have made a massive effort had Ed been there.

I'm almost positive it's a mistake, Carpenter and Sinclair made fun of him on twitter saying "Do you even play XV's anymore" and he responded with a jovial "Retired after my "Rabo win" guys". Suprised he would have said that had he been signed on to play XV"s later in the year especially with Brigend after that comment.

Really sucks about Ed I'm guessing he couldn't get out of work commitments. It's quite a small squad that Canada has sent with only three reserves so you never know an injury to Mack or White and he could get a call.

 

[LittleGuy]

Aaron Carpenter has indeed been named captain.

Bit of an update on some unavailable players.....

Adam Kleeberger: injured.
DTH Van De Merwe: injured.
Connor Trainor: School Commitments
Jamie Mackenzie: School Commitments
Nathan Hirayama: School Commitments.
Ed Fairhurst: Retired.
Ander Monro: Retired.
Jamie Cudmore: Club Commitments(Crowley has stated he is still very much in future plans but wasn't going to push for his release this tour).

From the article I found Crowley mentioned Ander Monro and Ed Fairhurst not being available and mentioned them in the same sentance as Ryan Smith who has retired, perhaps Monro and Fairhurst are now done with the side.(Or it could just be for the tour the article is vague, and I'm surpised this news wouldn't have filtered through Canadian rugby circles.)

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/canada-names-rugby-squad-for-november-tours-coach-mixes-experience-and-youth-176039651.html

Edit: Indeed BCrugby news is reporting that Ander Monro and Ed Fairhurst have retired from International rugby...sad news but not totally unexpected. Both have commtiments at home and it would have been hard work for them to make the next cycle. It's happened before that players in the Canadian side have returned after declaring their retirement, it's probably more likely in Ed's case but I wouldn't hold my breath.

http://www.bcrugbynews.com/show_news.cfm?ID=906

 

[Canucks]

I agree PD Matt Evans has had a rebirth at Pirates, he can pretty much play anywhere from #10-15, so I expect Crowley to put him in where he bests fit's in to the rest of the puzzle.

I honestly didn't know that Chauncey O'Toole was still at Brigend either, I thought he was just going to be part of the 7's setup this year for Canada I guess Rugby Canada knows more than I do unless it's a pretty brutal mistake on their part(or he is joining them after the first part of the 7's campaign). Speaking of 7's I think that a large portion of this squad were chosen because they will be flying straight to Dubai after the series of games for example Mack hasn't been in the XV's in a while.

I think the starting XV could be fairly decent but the bench and reserves lack experience or are more 7's players by training. This would be my preferred lineup.

1. Hubert Buydens
2. Ray Barkwill(alternating with Hamilton, Barkwill has had more gametime recently and is much better in set pieces)
3. Jason Marshall
4. Jebb Sinclair(has to be used here instead of 8 where he is better)
5. Tyler Hotson
6. Nanyak Dala
7. Chauncey O'Toole
8. Aaron Caprenter(I assume he will be captain of the side if not probably Pritchard)
9. Sean White
10. Matt Evans
11. Phil Mackenzie
12. Nick Blevins
13. Jeff Hassler
14. Taylor Paris
15. James Pritchard

16. Ryan Hamilton
17. Andrew Tieddeman
18. Doug Wooldridge
19. Brett Beukeboom
20. Tyler Ardron
21. Phil Mack
22. Connor Braid
23. Ciaran Hearn

Reserves.

Jon Phelan
Harry Jones
John Moonlight

Oh we are going to get carved against Samoa. There's a lot of inexperience in that backline going against an explosive Samoa.

Only change I would have is put Mackenzie in the centres.

I'm intrigued about harry Jones. Could be good selection. Was a very good player when he was with capilano/rockridge.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Someone hold me ...

 

[LittleGuy]

I think Canada should push for Cudmore's release a bit more often. I know keeping a good relationship with Clermont has done benefits for Canada but he barely plays outside World Cups.

I think they should have tried to get Cudmore available just for the one match against Samoa. Likewise, I also thought it was a shame Canada played Italy in June and couldn't get him available.

Talking of Canadians in Clermont. When do you think the youngsters Cam Pierce and Connor McCann will get caps for the national side Little Guy? I haven't seen either play, but Canada could do with a new fly half now Monro is retired and a player who is being developed by the best Espoirs side in France is a bonus.

I'm surprised McCann wasn't included in this side, he was left out of the June side as he went into the U-21's side instead. Braid was OK at the ARC but nothing special his goalkicking wasn't that great either, I don't think he is a long term answer at #10. Cudmore's absense along with DTH's is huge, effectively takes out our two best players who could make many Tier One sides.

@ Canucks that's not a bad idea flipping Mackenzie into the centres, perhaps Hearn's experience would be better for starting against Samoa, lot's of possible combinations in the backs. The Samoa game I'll have to wait and see how Samoa approach it, will they put the best possible side out? Or will it be more of an experimental or preparation exercise for the bigger tests. Weather could also play into it, wet conditons in North Wales could neutralize some of the Samoan advantages.

Pritchard was also named vice-captain I forgot to mention that earlier. What a legend of Canadian rugby Pritch is becoming, always makes himself available and has given so much to the program. He won't catch Rees in the scoring records this November but should get even closer.

Edit: Also on a personal note great to see Ray Barkwill make the side, he has been the latest in a series of useful late bloomers that Rugby Canada has had in the last couple of years....Brian Erichsen and Frank Walsh being two good examples of this trend. At 32 Barkwill is actually the 2nd oldest player in the side even though he is only one of two uncapped players. His age shouldn't stop him from making the next RWC if he plays well though.

 

[rusty_lock]

I like most of your selection little guy but just a few tweaks to it.



1. Hubert Buydens
2. Ray Barkwill (He is demonstrating that he is the real deal at hooker)
3. Jason Marshall
4. Brett Beukeboom (Beukeboom is going to have to get the opportunity to start sooner of later it might as well be now.)
5. Tyler Hotson
6. Jebb Sinclair (Playing JS at lock is misplaced I have not been impressed with O'Toole since Churchill cup 2011 and playing JS so far out of position to make room for him makes no sense to me)
7. Tyler Arden (He is proving to be a stud and the more experience he gets the better he is going to be. He is the future)
8. Aaron Caprenter
9. Phil Mack (I have always rated PM and been disappointed he has been given limited chances at XV, the big knock was his size, well he has rehabbed and bulked up so hopefully his experience under pressure will serve him well
10. Matt Evans (no other realistic option at this level, Maybe Braid vs. Russia but not Samoa or Maori)
11. Ciaran Hearn (experience wins out here for me)
12. Phil Mackenzie (has played at 12 and 13 with Coventry a couple of years ago.)
13. Jeff Hassler
14. Taylor Paris
15. James Pritchard


16. Ryan Hamilton
17. Andrew Tieddeman
18. Jon Phelan ( or carry Wooldridge and move Sinclair to lock when Dala comes on)
19. Nanyak Dala (great explosive punch off the bench. seems to lose his way over 80 minutes)
20. Chauncey O'Toole
21. Shawn White (error prone, I wish there were other options)
22. Connor Braid
23. Nick Blevins

My thoughts...

 

[LittleGuy]

I think you and Canucks have rightly pointed out that Mackenzie should be at centre, Hearn might be quite useful against the bigger Samoan and Moari bodies that we will be forced to tackle. I hope he can pick up the work rate a bit, he was much better against the States in June in that department. I hadn't thought about Jebb at #6 but it could certainly work he often lined up at #6 and #7 off the bench for the Stormers and Western Province and was effective there, he's better in the back three than in the 2nd row.

Ardron was very solid in the ARC(Is Canada becoming a loose forward factory or what!!!) as was Barkwill, I was extremely impressed with Ray's lineout throwing, Canada did not lose a single lineout in the ARC(I stand to be corrected but I made a mental note of this, it's possible I overlooked one) and a lot of that was due to very accurate throws. I also think he's a slightly better scrummager than Hamilton, which will be key for ball retention against the possesion heavy Maori and Samoan game styles.

I agree about Sean and the errors Rusty, it seems he's Jekyll and Hype out there, some times creating line brakes and brilliant set plays, than thirty seconds later messing up a simple box kick.

I'm guessing will see some tweaking from Crowley during the three tests. Probably best to send out our most experienced against Samoa, hopefully Pritchard brings his kicking boosts for the tour I think we'll need all the points we can get. Likewise Russia maybe an oppourtunity to send out a mixed team, Canada shouldn't risk too much though or we could suffer quite the fall down the rankings. The Russia game is the "winnable" game on the tour(though I don't think Samoa is impossible but will be very tough). The Maori game will be more wide open probably a chance for some nice running rugby, the 7's guys will probably fit in better here along with some of the fresher bodies.

Some of my other thoughts.....I hope the discipline is better than it was in June, especially against Italy this really let us down. This isn't that bad a side considering it's composite nature, a solid contingent of overseas regulars(Pritchard's commitment is once again outstanding, I'm actually leaning towards us seeing him in some capacity in 2015, he's become a fitness freak). A group of 7's internationals with some decent XV's experience, and some bright sparks from the ARC. The list of unavailables was quite large so it's a testament to the growing depth that the side won't embarrass itself.

I really wish the third game was a winnable test match, a game against the likes of Romania, would have been challenging yet winnable. The Moari side is just simply way too strong and I wonder if Crowley was hoping some of the more veteran players would be available for that game when they booked it. It would have been really nice if Cudmore could have at least made the Samoa game, I think it would have been a huge lift for the guys.

 

[Run34]

I agree with much of what you said Rusty.

My preferred XV:

01. Hubert Buydens
02. Ray Barkwill (Chosen as a starter due to Hamilton's lack of game time as of late but, from what I've seen, Barkwill looks to be a good option.)
03. Jason Marshall
04. Brett Beukeboom (He gets regular playing time at the lock position with Plymouth and besides, I believe Jebb should find his home in the backrow.)
05. Tyler Hotson
06. Jebb Sinclair (Much prefer Jebb in the backrow as his skills and recent experience are invaluable here.)
07. Chauncey O'Toole (I've been really disappointed with O'Toole since the World Cup. However, I'll give him another chance and I hope we see the 2011 C.C. O'Toole.)
08. Aaron Carpenter (Solid.)
09. Sean White (White has disappointed me at 9 as well. It's frustrating that he doesn't even play 9 for his club team...he clearly needs more time there.)
10. Matt Evans (Has played 10 in the past and is probably the best option at the moment.)
11. Taylor Paris (Really hope Paris gets a lot of game time, he deserves it.)
12. Connor Braid (I honestly think Braid's future is at 12 instead of 10. We'll see where he is placed.)
13. Nick Blevins
14. Phil Mackenzie (I know Mackenzie should probably be in the centres but I'd like to see him in the position that he consistently receives playing time in.)
15. James Pritchard (Class.)

16. Ryan Hamilton
17. Andrew Tiedemann
18. Jon Phelan
19. Tyler Ardron (Future starting No. 8 and probably future Canadian captain. He has been impressive.)
20. Eric Wilson (BC Rugby News reported earlier this week that Mack won't be on the tour now and suggested rumours of Wilson as the possible substitute.)
21. Jeff Hassler (two wingers on the bench...perhaps Mackenzie can move to the centres when one of these lads come onto the field.)
22. Ciaran Hearn

I really would have liked to have seen Jamie Mackenzie, Conor Trainor, Mike Scholz, and Conor McCann as well as, obviously, Kleeberger and Van der Merwe on the team. Regardless, it really is not a bad squad. Hopefully there will be some kind of broadcast of the matches.

 

[LittleGuy]

I beleive, Mackenzie, Trainor and Scholz all had school commitents, not sure why McCann wasn't selected. Good spot on Mack, Run34, I have the link to the article here and once again it is school commitments http://www.bcrugbynews.com/show_news.cfm?ID=907...perhaps it's time for his Edness to go once more into the breach dear friends!!!!

In all seriousness though, big blow not having Mack there, White certainly has to start now and the back up options really aren't that great. Braid at CT, intrigues me a little more experience than the other options, and might get Mackenzie at #14 where he really shines. I think the November tests are having 23 man sides which is why I have been posting my lineups as 23 people, I stand to be corrected though.

 

[rusty_lock]

I'm gutted about Mack but understand his position. It is one area that is very concerning especially since we have Evans at 10 and that combination is not exactly world famous for ball security. Don't get me wrong, I love Evans as a player, I think he is one of the more dynamic players we have just not the steady hand that I think we need at 10 on this tour. I doubt there will be any broadcasts of the games with the exception of the Maori game. Maybe NZ's rugby channel will pick that one up. There isn't likely to be enough demand for a Canada Russia or Canada Samoa game in the UK so I suspect that we will be out of luck.

 

[LittleGuy]

At this point I think the best we can ask for is a stream of the games, even a one camera at centre field eg. last years Oz Barbarians vs. Canada would be better than nothing.

Has Wilson officially been named the replacment of Mack yet? I haven't been able to find anything.

Edit: USA Rugby is reporting the matches from the North Wales series will be streamed info yet to come on the details though.

http://usarugby.org/#cc=[Application]\\Structure\\Content\\Brand Resource Center\\Content\\Home\\208D7949-1299-1078-7124-00E05889C33C\\NewsArchive\\21125036-1296-100E-EBC6-9CF78B06F959\\23181D59-134D-3AA4-1A55-F530EAB75AF1\\23181D59-13AB-D621-EDEF-745516CC7316{{Tab:View}}

 

[LittleGuy]

OUTSTANDING news for Canadian rugby fans TSN will be broadcasting both the Samoa and Russia tests on national TV!!!!!!!

The Canada vs. Samoa game will be shown live at 3 p.m. EST and also rebroadcast at 8:30 pm. EST.

Unfortunately Canada vs. Russia will only be shown on delay at 8 p.m. EST.(as of now) so I'll see about a stream if it's live or maybe just avoid the scoreboards for 4-5 hours.

 

[Canucks]

OUTSTANDING news for Canadian rugby fans TSN will be broadcasting both the Samoa and Russia tests on national TV!!!!!!!

The Canada vs. Samoa game will be shown live at 3 p.m. EST and also rebroadcast at 8:30 pm. EST.

Unfortunately Canada vs. Russia will only be shown on delay at 8 p.m. EST.(as of now) so I'll see about a stream if it's live or maybe just avoid the scoreboards for 4-5 hours.

Excellent work by rugby Canada. Should be some good cash money for Canada from these 2 tests.

We already have relatively strong tv numbers (as evidenced by world cup.) With no hockey on and the whitecaps out of playoffs this hopefully reach some casual viewers especially since Canada plays a much more open style in recent years. Shame dth and trainor font get to showcase themselves.

Really is great work. I felt canada dropped the ball during the summer tests and really focused too much on the Italy. It did get a great turnout but they at least could have approached tsn or sportsnet about broadcasting the other 2.

Maybe that was the plan as bc the Georgia game that had a relatively small attendance. To be fair it was held at swangard which historically has low attendance for rugby matches. I think even thunderbird stadium rolled way more for bc vs Maori then canada vs Georgia.

Anyways, I feel this is a very big massive positive for rugby Canada.