Canada will go into the Repechage tournament with a reasonable chance of qualifying for next year’s Rugby World Cup. On paper, realistically though, they barely look a chance.
The Canadians went into qualifying with one job – to beat the US in a home-and-away, which they almost looked on track to do after drawing the first leg. In the away game however, they were put to the sword, losing by 36 points, meaning the United States went through as the America 1 seed.
This came off the back of a dismal June series, where Georgia and Romania shot them down at home, going both games without a single try.
Their fortunes didn’t improve much during the November Internationals, only knocking over Spain, before being crushed by Fiji and Georgia.
Nevertheless, Uruguay wasn’t the hardest of all opponents, so many found it surprising when they lost both games early this year.
Against Russia last weekend, the men from Canada looked like they didn’t want to be there.
Some of it was just due to Russia brilliance – not a word you can say often – but the decision-making in particular was sub-standard from the Canadians.
Here are four errors which stood out for me.
In the 36th minute- 53:26 on the video- the Russians kick off after a Canada try.
What’s immediately obvious is the way the Russians load the camera side of the field, with 11 players, from my count, to the left side of the kicker.
Nevertheless, the home team have a very spread pack, and backline, making them vulnerable to potential ruck-flooding.
The kick chase is outstanding, as Aleksei Mikhaltsov in #11 lines up his opposing winger, who passes infield to the support.
From the box kick, Jeff Hassler has no real hope of getting to the ball, making a contestable length kick aimless.
The Russians scored no less than two phases later- moving the ball back to their still-loaded shortside, finding Mikhaltsov who goes over.
The next event is fairly obvious – 1:16:27 on the video – with 35 minutes left, the home team are down by 23 points, but bizarrely opt a penalty kick to trim the lead down to 20.
Soon after, at 1:18:18, Canada opt a quick lineout throw, which finds the hooker – who is hardly the person to be throwing in to – however, as the commentators point out, the sun was directly in his eyes. In saying that, the trainer touches the ball after it crosses the sideline, so the throw should never have been allowed in the first place.
This flows on into another bad mess-up, at 1:24:35 Russia feed a scrum close to the posts, however just look at the lack of cover directly under the uprights- making it all too easy for Anton Rudoy at #8 to pick and go for the match-sealing try.
In summary, if the men in red want to qualify they will need to up their game against what will, undoubtedly, be a gruelling trio of countries, but given they’ve missed out on America 1 and 2, the ante will need to be upped.
mjg
Roar Rookie
The game looked like it was played on a paddock in the middle of nowhere before a country football-type crowd. Canada has definitely lost ground while USA seems to be on the cusp of realising its rugby potential. Russia looked solid.
Sherry
Guest
Tom, it's amazing to think that Canada once made the quarters in the RWC. These days they're ranked 22 in the world but are probably even lower than that. It's not the cold weather that's to blame - Northern Europe has freezing winters too and teams from there do okay - it's hockey. Canadian kids grow up wanting to play in the NHL. Rugby's a fringe sports. Lacrosse, swimming, track and field, cycling are all more popular.
Chris
Guest
Maybe if Canada stopped wasting there time on a NFL B league like the CFL and just spend all the time and effort into proper Rugby then things will change.
In Brief
Guest
Let's talk about Russia - the looked really solid. Have Russia improved or has Canada just gone backwards?
Daveski
Guest
Also seem more focused on sevens in both men's and women's. Indeed the last World Cup I think they drafted in about 4-5 of their 7s players like Moonlight, Hirayama, Phil Mack who were among their better players. I do believe last week they were without Van Der Merwe and Tyler Ardron who are probably their only two world-class players?
Hoges5
Roar Rookie
Having seen them up close a few years ago - I know Canada were a well coached and talented side. I believe that I read that they had lost their National Academy which was in Vancouver (also where UBC is Carlos). Maybe the demise of the academy system has impacted them, as they used to have an excellent pathway of players making it to the Maple Leafs. Seems the Eagles have finally started to fill their potential, and Uruguay have always been solid team - in some ways, the pressure on Canada is a function of the success of Rugby in growing in the other countries.
MitchO
Guest
I have some family from Canada so I too wish them well. Carlos, you may be interested to know that Mike Pike ( played full back for Canada) came to Australia and won an AFL premiership playing for the Sydney Swans. He must have been a handy rugby player and he's very big.
Carlos The Argie
Guest
It is a pity. Canada was always a tough game for the USA and even for Argentina. They were bellicose, aggressive, strong and hard, even if their technique was not the best. They had huge forwards and straight running backs. I remember playing in Buenos Aires in 1975 against the University of British Columbia (or was it Vancouver? Time is cruel). We won the game but every part of my body hurt for days after the game. They were also very nice once the game ended. I always have soft spot for the Canadians. Even though they have a "weak" prime minister with unfair trade.... (Oh well).