Canada vs. U.S.A. RWCQ 2nd leg, 24/08/13

[canadafan]

It is a retro shirt, the pretty much only wear it when they play the U.S. Haven't lost a game to them since 2009, so it is obviously working.

 

[canadafan]

Come Autumn, I think we'll see Carpenter at hooker full time. Not only does this article say that Carpenter will be competing for the #2 jersey (http://www.cornish-pirates.com/13-14_player_profiles/aaron_carpenter.html), but another article that I can't seem to find said that he was switching to hooker as a result of pressure from Canadian management.

Given our depth in the backrow right now, I think this move is for the best.

Yeah I remember reading stuff after the tour last November, they he had been ask to switch to hooker by the Canadian mangement. Clearly they want to move Sinclair back to the back row with Ardron. Also, we have atleast 4 locks playing pro in Europe now (Cudmore, Hotson, Phelan, Beukeboom, Pierce can go there too) so depth their is improving a lot too.

 

[LittleGuy]

Yeah I remember reading stuff after the tour last November, they he had been ask to switch to hooker by the Canadian mangement. Clearly they want to move Sinclair back to the back row with Ardron. Also, we have atleast 4 locks playing pro in Europe now (Cudmore, Hotson, Phelan, Beukeboom, Pierce can go there too) so depth their is improving a lot too.

Certainly more depth there than at Hooker. Hamilton gets hurt constantly, Barkwill has been a diamond in the rough, but is already into his 30's and will only probably be available for this cycle. I'd love to see Carpenter and Barkwill form a tandem at Hooker.

 

[canadafan]

Apparently Kelly (injured) and Manoa(going back to Northampton) are out of the Eagles line up for this weekend. Is Cudmore still in Canada?

 

[LittleGuy]

Apparently Kelly (injured) and Manoa(going back to Northampton) are out of the Eagles line up for this weekend. Is Cudmore still in Canada?

I wondered whether they would send Manoa back, wonder whether they are throwing in the towel a little for this weekend. Cudmore tweeted Hamilton about missing him for the rest of the week, I assume this means he'll be in the lineup, my guess is it will be another one half or 50 minutes type appearance.

 

[Blackanuck]

Huh, not sure what to make of this:

Former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke joins Rugby Canada Board of Directors

Is it good news that someone so high profile is getting on board? What kind of impact is he in a position to make? Will he even do a good job?

(Sorry if this is kinda off topic. I wasn't sure if it was really worthy of its own thread.)

 

[canadafan]

Huh, not sure what to make of this:

Former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke joins Rugby Canada Board of Directors

Is it good news that someone so high profile is getting on board? What kind of impact is he in a position to make? Will he even do a good job?

(Sorry if this is kinda off topic. I wasn't sure if it was really worthy of its own thread.)

I like it, he should be able to bring over a couple of high profile sponsors to Rugby Canada. Will really raise the profile of the sport in Canada.

 

[canadafan]

I wondered whether they would send Manoa back, wonder whether they are throwing in the towel a little for this weekend. Cudmore tweeted Hamilton about missing him for the rest of the week, I assume this means he'll be in the lineup, my guess is it will be another one half or 50 minutes type appearance.

I figure it will be a 50 minute performance if the outcome has 'already been decided.' If it is a close match, he probably stays in.

 

[LittleGuy]

I figure it will be a 50 minute performance if the outcome has 'already been decided.' If it is a close match, he probably stays in.

Cudmore's out of the lineup, apparently he suffered a hand injury last week and I don't think they want to risk aggravating it this week, I guess that's why he came out so early last game. I'm guessing Hotson starts, and Phelan enters the bench.

Edit: I also thought of something this afternoon...dosen't the eight man bench require three front row specialists? If so that might force Carpenter to start at Hooker and place Barkwill on the bench. We could see some unusual combinations if thats the case, and a lineup like this(I'm assuming Underwood is still hurt as well).

1. Andrew Tieddemann
2. Aaron Carpenter
3. Jason Marshall
4. Tyler Hotson
5. Jon Phelan
6. Tyler Ardron
7. John Moonlight
8. Jebb Sinclair
9. Phil Mack
10. Harry Jones
11. Matt Evans
12. Nick Blevins
13. DTH Van De Merwe
14. Phil Mackenzie
15. James Pritchard

16. Ray Barkwill
17. Tom Dolezel
18. Doug Wooldridge
19. Aaron Flagg
20. Nanyak Dala
21. Sean White
22. Nathan Hirayama
23. Ciaran Hearn

Left out: Duke

 

[canadafan]

YEah that backrow bench situation might be correct. NOt a bad team you put together actually. Would be a bit suprised that Flagg gets the bench spot at lock over Beukeboom and Pierce, but those two are both probably at their clubs in Europe right now.

 

[psychic duck]

A shame that Sean Duke keeps being left out. I thought he looked improved in June until he got injured.

 

[canadafan]

Wing is probably our deepest position, Paris has been left out and we have some very good wingers coming up too? Some of them should learn how to play centre if hey want to help their selection chances. I think Hassler could be a good centre.

 

[LittleGuy]

Duke's a great speedster on the wing, but I find him a little more limited than our other backs most of whom can cover multiple positions, he's a vital part of the 7's program though and think he'll still pop in from time to time on the XV's.

 

[CDN_Rugby]

I think Hassler could be a good centre.

I was thinking this the other day too. While DTH is slippery, Hassler is the kind of guy who tries to hammer through defences. Might be worth experimenting with Hassler at 13 against Romania or Portugal.

 

[canadafan]

I was thinking this the other day too. While DTH is slippery, Hassler is the kind of guy who tries to hammer through defences. Might be worth experimenting with Hassler at 13 against Romania or Portugal.

Agree, with O'Leary coming off the bench to 10.

 

[LittleGuy]

Agree, with O'Leary coming off the bench to 10.

Yep great oppourtunity to get him capped!!! Let's do it ASAP.

Edit: Meant to post this earlier for the benefit of anyone thinking of buying tickets at the gate...apparently you need a "deposit ticket" due to the CNE taking place at the same time as the game.

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=72113

 

[canadafan]

O'leary needs to be capped against Portugal, hat is the perfect time to do it.

Any info on ticket sales?

 

[LittleGuy]

O'leary needs to be capped against Portugal, hat is the perfect time to do it.

Any info on ticket sales?

I've heard pretty much nothing on ticket sales, weather looks perfect and the CNE is on at the same time which might generate a decent walk up crowd. Rugby Canada have not been boasting about attendance(nor does it appear they are absolutely desperate) don't think they'll get near the Ireland game, but I should think 12,000 is a very reachable target.

 

[canadafan]

Hassler will play for the Osprey this weekend apparently.

 

[LittleGuy]

Hassler will play for the Osprey this weekend apparently.

LOL, I wondered whether that virus was "notreleaseitius" have an odd feeling that Cudmore's injury isn't so severe he couldn't be put in the lineup, and Mackenzie came off the bench last week not to **** off Sale. Nor did they kick up a stink about Buydens not being available.