In a warm-up match prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup but counting for the Can-Am Trophy, the USA meet Canada in Glendale, Colorado on Saturday.
The teams met last weekend in Toronto and Canada won 28-22.
Kieran Crowley, the All Black who coaches Canada, was not happy with last week's result, saying: "We've been through last week's game and there were disappointments, especially from our skill level. So the team is looking to make amends. Hopefully we can put a better skilled performance on the paddock this Saturday."
Crowley has made changes. Jebb Sinclair is moved to starting lock alongside Jamie Cudmore, and Adam Kleeberger moved from the bench to starting blindside flank. Veteran scrumhalf Ed Fairhurst of the miracle try last weekend is not available as he has to work to get time off for the World Cup. Seab White takes his place with
Just two changes have been made to the forward pack that started in Toronto, with Jamie Mackenzie on the bench.
On the wing Matt Evans injured a knee last weekend and was replaced by Ciaran Hearn. This weekend Hearn starts and James Pritchard has moved to fullback.
The match in Toronto was close. The IRB ranking of the two sides is close - Canada 16th and the USA 17th. The match could be close. It is billed as the 'farewell warm-up' as the teams will next play at the World Cup - the Eagles against Ireland, Canada against Tonga.
Mark Lawrence refereed the Toronto Test and will referee this one as well.
The curtainraiser to this match at Infinity Park ('where the opportunities are endless') is between the Classic Eagles and the Classic Canadians.
Teams
Canada: 15 James Pritchard (Bedford Blues), 14 Ciaran Hearn (The Rock), 13 DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors), 12 Mike Scholz (Oakville Crusaders), 11 Phil Mackenzie (Oakville Crusaders), 10 Ander Monro (Castaway Wanderers), 9 Sean White (BC Bears), 8 Aaron Carpenter (Plymouth Albion), 7 Chauncey O'Toole (Ospreys), 6 Adam Kleeberger (BC Bears), 5 Jamie Cudmore (Clermont Auvergne), 4 Jebb Sinclair (London Irish), 3 Jason Marshall (BC Bears), 2 Pat Riordan (captain) (BC Bears), 1 Hubert Buydens (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Replacements: 16 Ryan Hamilton (BC Bears), 17 Andrew Tiedemann (Prairie Wolf Pack), 18 Brian Erichsen (BC Bears), 19 Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boys Ravens), 20 Jamie Mackenzie (Esher), 21 Ryan Smith (Prairie Wolf Pack), 22 Nathan Hirayama (Bears)
Coach: Kieran Crowley
USA: tba. If we get the team we shall publish it.
Date: Saturday, 13 August 2011
Kick-off: 19.15
Venue: Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado
Expected weather conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 29°C, dropping to 17°C.
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
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