Canada vs. USA, RWC warm up home and away series.

[bcsomos]

Ed Fairhurst TRY!!!

 

[CDN_Rugby]

Despite getting the win, if I'm Crowley I'm not impressed with the Canadian effort. We got caught with our hands in the ruck way too often and had way too many unforced errors. Initially I was sceptical about the inclusion of Scholz in what appeared to be a first choice Canadian side, but he may have played his way out of the first XV with a handful of knock on's.

Scrums were damn good though. Props to the props, especially Buydens. As far as the forwards went, he impressed me the most.

However, the lineout in today's game was about as bad as Canada has ever seen. Seriously, Canada probably won 15% of their own ball. Against the U.S. that might not hurt you, but Tonga and Japan will make you pay for it bad. If Canada could have kept posession on 80% of their lineouts they could have easily tacked another two or three tries on to the final scoreline.

Also, good defence in the second half. Clive Griffith's impact on the squad has been a positive one.


Things that I think
- Too many unforced errors. Perhaps a lack of focuss?
- Scholz won't be starting next game or at the WC. Not the smoothest of games for him.
- Lineouts will be a huge focuss in training this upcoming week. The Yanks seemed to have cracked the code.
- Buydens and Marshall are without a doubt our best loosehead and tighthead.
- Jebb Sinclair had a damn good game (with the exception being his knock-on when Fairhurst had the quick tap that could have easily led to a try at the end of the first half.
- Everyone knows I like Evans at fullback due to his creativity, but I think if it wouldn't be a bad idea to try him at inside centre (he did play flyhalf for Canada at the U-19 level). Him and DTH would give Canada a centre pairing that could score some serious points. It would also allow Pritchard to slot into fullback, while bringing in Hearn (his long leg is an asset) to supplement the more speedy Mackenzie on the wing. The more ball DTH and Evans see, the better the odds are of Canada winning. In the event that doesn't happen, put Mackenzie back at inside centre. All of this, of course, is dependable on the fitness of Evans and whether or not the injury he picked up today is serious.
- The American kicking game was not international calibre. What happened to Mike Hercus? It looks like they don't have many options at 10 and 12 except Samoan ex-pats with twitchy feet.
- The scrum has improved by leaps and bounds from last year. The scrum camp with Mike Cron payed off in a big way.
- As I was watching the game on TSN today, it dawned on me that Monro is a lot better than people give him credit for. He's good in defence and has very good distribution skills.
- The U.S. seem to be succumbing to what used to plague Canada; their fitness lets them down early in the second half.
- Todd Clever is a damn good player that could probably get caps on a home nations side. He is without a doubt the best American in rugby.
- Will the altitude of Colorado affect Canada in the next game?

All in all, a win is a win. Pleased to get it, but not in the fashion it happened. If Canada can get their lineout back to where it was at the Churchill Cup they should win the second game. This is assuming they can withstand an early American storm which is sure to have them going backwards for the first ten minutes.

Hopefully a more convincing win is in the cards next week.

Also, the pitch looked immaculate!

Go Canada!

 

[CDN_Rugby]

To see a post-game interview with Sir Ed, just click on the right.

http://www.tsn.ca/rugby/story/?id=373332

 

[formerlyfastwing]

ugly win, but a win is a win. Canada seemed a little lost at times during the game, not rhyme of reason to their play. The US had better team play, but individuals won the game for canada.

 

[Melhor Time]

I liked the game. I was happy to see my friend, Todd Clever, score two tries!

here is my match report: http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com/2011/08/canada-28-22-usa.html

The future of rugby in North America looks to be in great shape as Canada and the United States of America put on a thrilling match this afternoon in Canadas largest city, Toronto. Regardless of the result, the match was a huge success even before kick-off as the Canadian public responded to the occassion by breaking the attendance record for a Canada vs USA match. But it was to be the quality of rugby was would matter. Without good rugby the success of the match could have been questioned. The teams delivered and the USA Eagles underlined their substantial progress in recent years as they pushed Canada all the way. Over the years results in Canada have overwhelmingly been in favor of the Canadians but now with more players than ever playing professionally the USA Eagles is on par with Canada and can only get better as the profile of rugby rises with the success of the USA Sevens in Las Vegas, Nevada and the live coverage of rugby on television in the country.

Canada won the match by six points but had to come from behind after the USA were leading 15-10 at the interval. Canada had started the game well and London Irish bound backrower, Jebb Sinclair gave the crowd at BMO Field in Toronto plenty to cheer about when he went over for thegames first try in the 6th minute. Canadian winger, James Pritchard slotted the conversion to put Canada ahead 7-0. The USA Eagles hit back soon thereafter as flyhalf Nese Malifa slotted a penalty goal in the 10th minute. The USA then dominated proceedings for the next 25 minutes and came away with two tries. The world famous, Taku Ngwenya predictably score the first try for the USA as touched down in the 23rd minute. Nalifa converted it to put the USA ahead 10-7. Ten minutes latter the USA scored again as captain, Todd Clever, scored an impressive try. Canada, however, fought back well and Pritchard cut the lead to five points with his second pernalty of the half in the 38th minute.

Canada were again the better side to open the half as England based winger, Phil Mackenzie, scored a try in the 44th minute. Pritchard´s conversion attempt was successful and Canada went ahead 17-15. The Canadians then looked to take control of the game when Pritchard slotted a penalty in the 55th minute and four minutes latter scrumhalf, Ed Fairhurst ran clear to score Canada´s third try. Pritchard missed the conversion attempt but Canada had gone ten points clear. The USA fought back hard but had problems with flyhalf Nese Malifa leaving the fielded injured. Todd Clever showed just how important he is to the USA and despite Canada looking like having the game wrapped up, he succeeded in motivating his players and with three minutes to play he, himself, silenced the Canadian crowd as he scored his second try. Tai Enosa added the extras to make it a three point game but Canada held firm and Pritchard slooted a late penalty goal to win the match 28-22 for Canada.

The two sides meet again next Saturday in Glendale, Colorado as they seek to finalize their plans for Rugby World Cup 2011. Today´s match suggests that both sides should indeed succeed in winning matches in New Zealand 2011.

Canada
1. Hubert Buydens (Prarie Wolfpack)
2. Pat Riordan captain (BC Bears)
3. Jason Marshall (BC Bears)
4. Brian Erichsen (BC Bears)
5. Jamie Cudmore (Clermont, France)
6. Jebb Sinclair (London Irish, England)
7. Chauncey O'Toole (The Rock)
8. Aaron Carpenter Plymouth Albion, England)
9. Ed Fairhurst (BC Bears)
10. Ander Monro (Ontario Blues)
11. James Pritchard (Bedford, England)
12. Mike Scholz (Ontario Blues)
13. Daniel van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
14. Phil Mackenzie (Esher, England)
15. Matt Evans (Unattached)

Reserves

16. Ryan Hamilton (BC Bears)
17. Scott Franklin (Prairie Wolf Pack)
18. Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion, England)
19. Adam Kleeberger (BC Bears)
20. Sean White (BC Bears)
21. Ryan Smith (Prairie Wolf Pack)
22. Ciaran Hearn (The Rock)

USA

15. Blaine Scully (Unattached)
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13. Paul Emerick (Life University)
12. Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
11. Kevin Swiryn (Agen, France)
10. Nese Malifa (Glendale)
9. Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
8. Nic Johnson (Unattached)
7. Todd Clever captain (Suntory Sungoliath, Japan)
6. Louis Stanfill (Mogliano, Italy)
5. Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4. John van der Giessen (Utah)
3. Shawn Pittman (London Welsh, England)
2. Phillip Thiel (Life University)
1. Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93, France)

Reserves

16, Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate)
17. Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks)
18. Inaki Basauri (Perigueux, France)
19. Jonathan 'JJ' Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa)
20. Tim Usasz (Nottingham, England)
21. Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby)
22. Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore)

 

[formerlyfastwing]

one thing that was painful was the commentating.....I have nothing but love for TSN prodcasting the games but who the hell is that english fella doing the commentating......he was utter crap.

 

[LittleGuy]

Just got back from the game, Fairhursts try was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!!!! I'm not sure how it translated onto TV but Toronto was scorching, my back was drenched in sweat and the guy handing out free towels is now my saviour as I wetted one down and stuck it over my head for the whole game.

The Canadian lineout was awful, in the 2nd half they finally went to the short throw. Todd Clever was probably the best player out on the field today, impressed me in attack and on defence for the States. The eagles need a new goal kicker desperately, that missed penalty for them early in the 2nd half drew unbridled laughter from the crowd. A real shame Evans was out of the game so early, Hearn was ok, but could have released Pritchard if he had offloaded sooner at one point.

Pritchard was great 5 for 6 with the only miss a sideline conversion that hit the post, I think the humidity resulted in a wet ball and was a factor in lot of knock ons for both teams. The second half was a much more crisp performance from both teams and that bodes well for next week.

Formerlyfast, the English guy is Nigel Reed he used to do commentary for the BBC, moved here when he met a Canadian woman and used to do TFC games until recently, I think he is normally a soccer guy, as well I think Rees is more there as someone to explain the nuances of the game to the people watching who know very little to nothing about rugby.

 

[formerlyfastwing]

Formerlyfast, the English guy is Nigel Reed he used to do commentary for the BBC, moved here when he met a Canadian woman and used to do TFC games until recently, I think he is normally a soccer guy, as well I think Rees is more there as someone to explain the nuances of the game to the people watching who know very little to nothing about rugby.

Rees was fine, bit that Nigel fella, surely they could have found a "canadian" voice to do the play by play. He was to be frank painful.

TSN also need to work on the camera angles and overall televising of a rugby game. But I can give them a pass on that for showing the game(s).

 

[LittleGuy]

Rees was fine, bit that Nigel fella, surely they could have found a "canadian" voice to do the play by play. He was to be frank painful.

TSN also need to work on the camera angles and overall televising of a rugby game. But I can give them a pass on that for showing the game(s).

I'm guessing that a lot of their play by play guys were busy with CFL action, I didn't see too many cameras I think it was kind of a bare bones production.

 

[formerlyfastwing]

I'm guessing that a lot of their play by play guys were busy with CFL action, I didn't see too many cameras I think it was kind of a bare bones production.

yeah prob right.

I think at the end of the day, any exposure is good, exposure.

Just nice to see rugby on TSN.

BTW, retro jersey looks good

 

[LittleGuy]

yeah prob right.

I think at the end of the day, any exposure is good, exposure.

Just nice to see rugby on TSN.

BTW, retro jersey looks good

Agreed, as well their website is giving it a whole section in the more sports area, and next weeks game will also be carried live on TSN 2. I was hoping they would put up a better highlight package though, perhaps Rugby Canada will do so instead.

Attendance was 10,621

 

[rusty_lock]

Unfortunately I had to be with the wife at the lake Kayaking so I missed this one. Does anyone know a way to view it online. I scoured tsn's website but found nothing. Looking forward to next week

 

[Shaggy]

I'm guessing that a lot of their play by play guys were busy with CFL action, I didn't see too many cameras I think it was kind of a bare bones production.

Yeah, it was good that at least they televised it, but, for those of us that are still learning who the players are, it would have been great to have some graphics with player names of try scorers etc

 

[Boltman]

It was nice to see an Eagles match live for once. I have a few channels on DirecTV where I can get and watch Rugby but it is cool that they added USN (Universal sports network ch 625 on DirecTV). I'm assuming this happened recently because this is going to be the only channel to show the RWC here in the USA? (I'm in L.A. btw)

I'm not really going to break down anything or give all of my thoughts of the match because I've already read some good posts about it but I do want to add one thing.

What really stood out to me is how much Ngwenya has changed. I knew he was blazing fast already from that try he scored going past Habana in 07. But man has he changed, he is more physical now (compared to his former skinnier self back then to now). He looks like he put on quite a bit of muscle and his game has gotten a bit more physical as well. Good for him.

 

[Canadian_Rugger]

I watched the game on TSN and I will give my comments from what I saw

Canada's backs won the game and they were superior to the US backline in almost every facet of the game. The Forwards; however, have me a bit concerned. The US forwards were hitting every ruck with intensity while our guys seemed like they were hesitant and when they would hit them they would hit too high which resulted in us turning over the ball a number of times when we should of clearly kept possession. The lineouts as mentioned by others were also atrocious. I think this mostly comes down to Riordan's **** throwing as TBH it was really bad. The scrum was very very good; however, and we wee not only winning our own but stealing American ball.

Some of the backs had a cracking game, particularly Ander Monro who made some bone-crunching tackles and delivered good ball and well placed kicking from hand. Our backline was superior to the American one in every way with maybe the exception of Ngwenya but outside him the Americans had no answer. They would rarely if ever gain yardage with ball in hand and their kicking was atrocious. I think it was the kicking game and backfield play which lost them the game. Not having an international quality kicker is going to really hurt them at the WC, this is something that Canada does not have to worry about as we have a variety of players: Pritchard, Hearn, Monro, with solid boots on them.

I thought TSN's production was not bad at all and am looking forward to catching more games from them. Now that BMO field has been shown as a viable rugby field I think more international teams would like to tour here and play there as we now have a world class stadium to play in.

 

[LittleGuy]

Yeah, it was good that at least they televised it, but, for those of us that are still learning who the players are, it would have been great to have some graphics with player names of try scorers etc

Someone at Rugby Canada finally updated the player profile section, and it looks good, click on the National teams button then senior Men's and player profiles, I learned quite a bit about some of the guys that I didn't know before. As well the stats section has been updated and corrected.

Canadian Rugger you are very right about the pitch quality it looked superb, Italy will be visiting next year to BMO field I literally cannot wait for that game, two of my favourite teams here at home.

 

[Canadian_Rugger]

Someone at Rugby Canada finally updated the player profile section, and it looks good, click on the National teams button then senior Men's and player profiles, I learned quite a bit about some of the guys that I didn't know before. As well the stats section has been updated and corrected.

Canadian Rugger you are very right about the pitch quality it looked superb, Italy will be visiting next year to BMO field I literally cannot wait for that game, two of my favourite teams here at home.

If we can get 11,000 for a game against the states I guarantee we can get close to 20,000 for a game against a 6 nations side. Toronto also boasts one of the largest Italian expat communities in the world so bonus for us.

 

[LittleGuy]

Here is a highlight package of the first game,

 

[Thingimubob]

Looked like a very good game. What happened with the Canadians 1st try? Was it ruled out then went back for a penalty I'm guessing? Great tackle by Ngwenya to stop him then!
One hell of a muck up by the US fly half though... pretty much cost them the game in the end. Fairhursts try was fantastic, very clever timing of his dive ensured he'd get over the line.

 

[LittleGuy]

It was ruled out, the Canadian team was hurrying back to their defensive positions and an American player tried to take advantage with a quick lineout but it hit someone and went straight into Canadian hands, for the easy try.