Suggitt braced for 'rugby lesson'
Canada coach Ric Suggitt is already playing the modesty card ahead of his team’s one-off Test against New Zealand this weekend, saying his team is ready to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.
After the bad atmosphere left in New Zealand by a grumpy French tour, the Canadians are determined to face up to what is likely to be a hefty defeat with dignity.
“As athletes you want to challenge yourself against the best in the world, we’re looking forward to it,” head coach Suggitt said.
“We’re not going to bend over and moan and whine like the French did.
“This test will give us a good gauge on where we’re at and help us pick up the speed of our game.”
This will be Canada’s last chance ot meet one of rugby’s big teams before the Rugby World Cup, and it is only their fifth match against the All Blacks in 27 years. But it has always been a pleasant experience in the land of the long white cloud, according to Suggitt.
“We had a development side here last year, we always come down for the sevens …. we’ve been treated world class by New Zealand for the last few years,” Suggitt enthused.
The NZRU has made available all its own technology to the tourists, including the latest in hi-tech video reviewing equipment and videos of the wins over France! But far from helping Suggitt create a complicated game-plan, it has broken down the Canadian tactics into two very simple steps.
“You defend, you defend, you defend …. turn over the ball, go down the other end and score tries,” Suggitt said, revealing this week’s simplistic mantra, before taking his squad into another tackle-bag session…
