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

[AfakasiAssasin]

Canada and Tonga's senior sides have not met since their 2003 RWC encounter where Canada won 24 - 7. Tongas team back then was very weak unlike this years squad which will be the toughest Tongan team Canada have ever faced as they have a monster pack and a very fine looking backline to compliment it. Tonga should go into their 2011 RWC encounter as the favourites also considering New Zealand is like a second home for them. This game and each of these teams matches with Japan should be highly competitive and make for some very entertaining viewing.

 

[rusty_lock]

How well-regarded is Jebb Sinclair? We have signed him for next season. He seems to be being used as a second row and at 6 for the national side. Which is his better position? I think we need him more in the back row than second row where we are very well-stocked. Thoughts appreciated.

Jebb's natural position is at 6. He is being used in the second row mostly because of a lack of depth at that position in Canada as well as Crowley desire to have him on the field when there is a wealth of talent in the loosies. O'toole, Kleeberger, Carpenter, Dala, Sinclair, all could start in the loose forward department. Not to mention the players who have not been selected like Shawn Michael Stephens and others. He has been played at lock because he is well regarded and has the versatility to do so. Don't worry you have yourself a very serviceable back row forward.

 

[rusty_lock]

Canada v. Tonga, Canada v. Japan, Japan v. Tonga will all be great matches. Tonga has some advantages over Japan and Canada, Japan has a couple edges over Tonga and Canada and Canada have few things that could tip the scales in their favour. Honestly, I don't think you can give the role of favourite to any of the three countries. There are just to many unknowns. I'm excited that Tonga v. Canada is first up for us. Most see this as a must win for Canada and we will be able to go into this one completely healthy and rested with our best lineup.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

I think Tonga has the edge on paper atm as neither Canada nor Japan have ever faced a Tongan team quite like this one. The Tongans didn't have all their star players during the Pacific Nations Cup but come the RWC, by looking at their team during the tests in Fiji, they will be at their peak. This team is most likely stronger than any they've ever fielded before IMO, even more so maybe than the 2007 RWC team. Also word has it Nili Latu has left for Tonga today and rumors are that he is to be included in their final RWC squad which will strengthen even more an already impressive looking lineup. This is what their strongest lineup would look like come RWC IMO. A pretty world class looking outfit which could cause an upset or two.

1. Soane Tonga'uiha
2. Ephraim Taukafa
3. Kisi Pulu
4. Paino Hehea
5. Joe Tu'ineau
6. Viliami Ma'afu
7. Nili Latu
8. Samiu Vahafolau
9. Taniela Moa
10. Kurt Morath
11. Viliame Iongi
12. Siale Piutau
13. Alipate Fatafehi
14. Fetu'u Vainikolo
15. Vunga Lilo

16. Ilaisa Ma'asi
17. Alisona Taumalolo
18. Sione Timani
19. Finau Maka
20. Semisoni Fisilau
21. Suka Hufanga
22. Mateo Malupo