Canada vs. Glasgow Match Preview

Canada will take on Glasgow in Halifax, Nova Scotia in preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. After a less than ideal summer of rugby, Canada will have lots to prove. Glasgow on the other hand, will be lacking their big name players due to international duty and will have to call on the other members of their squad. After winning the Pro 12 for the first time, the warriors will be hunting for a win over a national team.

In an interesting turn of events the field was deemed unsafe by both teams and the organizing committee. It has since been moved to The Graves Oakley field, fans can receive a full refund if they so choose.

The Canucks will play with a chip on their shoulders, after losing 41-23 last week to the USA. As bitter rivals, Canada has had the short end of the stick lately losing their last three matchups against the US. Unfortunately Canada is on a long losing streak as well, going 1-10 since September 2014. The inclusion of Jebb Sinclair and Jamie Cudmore in the RWC squad will turn things around. Two of the biggest and hardest hitting Canadian forwards will return to bolster the forward pack.

The addition of Djustice Sears Duru will bring some youthful exuberance to an experienced front row. Djustice is one of Canada’s youngest ever players to be selected to the RWC squad, and is a talent to keep an eye on for the future.

The back row will have some serious speed, with 7’s captain John Moonlight and counterpart Nanyak Dala likely to start. Once Ardron is healthy, the back row will be formidable.

The halves have some talent as well, McRorie or Phil Mack could both start on any given day. But it has been Gordon, the converted Scot who’s been given the starts due to his kicking accuracy. At Fly half, Nathan Hirayama brings exceptional tactical kicking and some fancy steps. It will be interesting to see who is taken as the starting fly half, as Liam Underwood showed real promise breaking through the lines during the PNC.

The back three is where Canada has the most depth. DTH, Jeff Hassler, and Phil MacKenzie all have enough power and pace to streak down the sideline for a try or two.

Friday’s tilt will likely be an experimental game for the Canucks, as they hope to iron out some problems before heading to England.

Prediction: Canada 27-22 Glasgow