Preview: Canada v Namibia
With less than one year to go until the World Cup Canada and Namibia go head-to-head in what is the start of a vital trial run for both.
Both will see Friday's game in Colwyn Bay as a must-win and a chance to build momentum.
After Namibia, will cross the channel to face Samoa in Vannes, before concluding their tour of Europe against Romania in Bucharest.
Namibia, after Friday's outing will then travel across the English channel to Toulon for a match against the French Barbarians, before concluding their trip in Lisbon with a Test against Portugal on November 22.
The Canadians have lost their last seven internationals, with the 25-20 win over Tonga at the 2011 World Cup their last major triumph.
Most recently they lost 17-19 to Scotland in Toronto in June this year.
"If you look at many of our recent Test matches – we've been in a position to win them, but we haven't been able to finish them off," Canada coach Kieran Crowley said.
"We've had a few lapses in concentration and had a few systems errors and things and on Friday we need to fix those and hopefully get the win," Crowley added.
Despite a number of injuries and select players being unavailable due to club commitments, Friday's roster is ready to compete.
"We've developed a bit of depth in the roster through competition and the team that has been selected I believe is the best we have available," the coach said.
"Through this selection we're also looking at a number of positions and building for down the road," added Crowley.
Parc Eirias is a familiar ground for the Canadian side, having played Test matches against Samoa and Russia two years earlier during their November tour.
Also, a number of Canadian players, including Jebb Sinclair, Doug Wooldridge, Hubert Buydens and Sean Whitewere involved in the RGC 1404 team that called the North Wales facility home a few seasons ago.
Namibian suffered a late setback when loose forward Thinus du Plessis was ruled out of the opening match of their Northern Hemisphere tour.
Du Plessis suffered a calf injury during a training session on Tuesday and after going for a scan in Colwyn Bay on Thursday it was decided to withdraw him from the team.
He was replaced by Rohan Kitshoff, who was promoted from the bench into the starting line-up – whileThomasua Forbes was included on the replacement bench.
Du Plessis will stay with team in Wales and his recovery will be monitored on a daily basis.
Namibia qualified for next year's World Cup by winning the Confederation Africaine de Rugby Division 1A title in dramatic fashion earlier this year in Antananarivo, Madagasgar and will face New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Georgia next year.
Coach Danie Vermeulen said with three very tough matches ahead, it was important to get off to a strong start.
"We expect the Canadians to be extremely physical, we know that we will probably pick up an injury or two so we need to manage the players to ensure we remain competitive in all our matches," Vermeulen said.
Players to watch:
For Canada: They will rely heavily on the experience of their Europe-based players – London Irish forward Jebb Sinclair, Glasgow Warriors flyhalf Connor Braid, Ospreys wing Jeff Hassler and Glasgow Warriors fullback DTH van der Merwe.
For Namibia: They also have a strong Europe-based contingents – Saracens loose forward Jacques Burger, who will captain the team, French-based flyhalf Theuns Kotze and Exeter Chiefs fullback Chrysander Botha. There is also Western Province loose forward Rohan Kitshoff, a late inclusion.
Head to head: The most significant showdown will be at flyhalf – two European-base players facing off: Connor Braid (Canada) versus Theuns Kotzé (Namibia).
Previous results:
1999: Canada won 72-11, Toulouse (World Cup pool match)
Prediction: You might as well flip a coin, given that there is no significant reference points. Namibia did compete in a World Cup qualifying tournament not to long ago and last week played against German. Not that the opposition were anywhere near the Canadians' standards. The North Americans have the more settled team and we feel Canada may well sneak this one – by less than 10 points.
Teams:
Canada: 15 DTH van der Merwe, 14 Jeff Hassler, 13 Conor Trainor, 12 Ciaran Hearn, 11 Sean Duke, 10 Connor Braid, 9 Gordon McRorie, 8 John Moonlight, 7 Nanyak Dala, 6 Kyle Gilmour, 5 Jebb Sinclair, 4 Tyler Hotson, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Ray Barkwill, 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements: 16 Doug Wooldridge, 17 Ryan Hamilton, 18 Jake Ilnicki, 19 Brett Buekeboom, 20 Aaron Carpenter, 21 Sean White, 22 Patrick Parfrey, 23 Jordan WilsonRoss.
Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Darryl de la Harpe, 12 Johan Deysel, 11 David Philander, 10 Theuns Kotzé, 9 Eneill Buitendag, 8 PJ van Lill, 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Rohan Kitshoff, 5 Tjiuee Uanive, 4 Morné Blom, 3 André Schlechter, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld,1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements: 16 Rathony Becker, 17 Franklin Bertholini, 18 Casper Viviers, 19 Stefan Neustädt, 20 Thomasua Forbes, 21 Ryan de la Harpe, 22 Shawn Kaizemi, 23 Johann Tromp.
Date: Friday, November 7
Venue: Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, Wales
Kick-off: 19.00 (14.00 EST Canada, 11.00 Pacific time Canada; 21.00 Namibian time)
Expected weather: Heavy and squally showers. Coastal gales will gradually ease. High of 12°C and a low of 6°C
Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Neil Paterson (Scotland), Martyn Lewis (Wales)
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