Canada vs. Georgia (23/06/2012 2:00 p.m. PDT)

[Little Guy]

Canada vs. Georgia (23/06/2012 2:00 p.m. PDT) Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

The 13th and 15th ranked countries in the IRB do battle on Saturday to try and end their Spring's on a high note after both sides were beaten last week. Each team is 1-1 so far with Canada victors over U.S.A. 28-25, while losing to Italy 25-16. While Georgia defeated Ukraine 33-3, but lost to U.S.A. 38-20.

Georgia will be looking for a string performance by their pack, especially against a Canadian forward group that did not acquit itself well last week and is suffering some absenses. Canada will look to win the game in the backline, with some powerful and exciting runners avaiable as well as the ever steady goal kicking of James Pritchard.

The contest will be streamed by Rugby Canada on the channel they have been using for many games sportscanada.tv while the lack of TV coverage is dissapointing the match should almost certainly be available in archive form for those unable to catch it live or in person.

A good sized crowd is expected to be in attendance as Canada have not played on the West coast since November of 2009. It's about time for the National team to play a game in front of these pasionate supporters.

Lineup's and further details will be posted as soon as available.

Canada Squad:

Starters:

1 Tom Dolezel - Ontario Blues (London, ON)
2 Andrew Tiedeman - Prairie Wolf Pack ( St.Albert, AB )
3 Jason Marshall - Stade Aurillacois (North Vancouver, BC)
4 Jebb Sinclair - London Irish/Stormers (Charter's Settlement, NB )
5 Tyler Hotson - London Scottish (Vancouver, BC)
6 Tyler Ardron - Ontario Blues (Lakefield, ON)
7 Nanyak Dala - Prairie Wolf Pack (Saskatoon, SK)
8 Aaron Carpenter(C) - Plymouth Albion (Brantford, ON)
9 Ed Fairhurst - British Columbia (Victoria, BC)
10 Matt Evans - Cornish Pirates (Duncan, BC)
11 Sean Duke - British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)
12 Phil Mackenzie - London Welsh (Oakville, ON)
13 Conor Trainor - British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)
14 DTH Van der Merwe - Glasgow Warriors (Victoria, BC)
15 James Pritchard(VC) - Bedford Blues (Parkes, Australia)

Bench:

16 Mike Pletch - Ontario Blues (Lucan, ON)
17 Doug Woolridge -Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
18 Brett Beukeboom - Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
19 Jon Phelan – The Rock (Montreal, QC)
20 Sean White - Unattached (Victoria, BC)
21 Jeff Hassler - Prairie Wolf Pack (Okotoks Lions RFC)
22 Ciaran Hearn - The Rock (Conception Bay South, NL)

Head Coach: Kieran Crowley
Assistant Coaches: Geraint John, Neil Barnes, Clive Griffiths

Georgian Squad:

Starters:

1. Mikheil Nariashvili
2. Rezo Belkania
3. Davit Zirakashvili
4. Giorgi Chkhaidze
5. Vakhtang Maisuradze
6. Gia Labadze
7. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
8. Beka Bitsadze
9. Irakli Abuseridze
10. Merab Kvirikashvili
11. Lexo Gugava
12. Tedo Zibzibadze
13. Davit Kacharava
14. Irakli Machkhaneli
15. Irakli Kiasashvili

Bench:

16. Shalva Mamukashvili
17. Levan Chilachava
18. Shalva Sutiashvili
19. Givi Berishvili
20. Bidzina Samkharadze
21. Lasha Malaghuradze
22. Sandro Todua

[psychic duck]

Canada vs. Georgia (23/06/2012 2:00 p.m. PDT) Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

The 13th and 15th ranked countries in the IRB do battle on Saturday to try and end their Spring's on a high note after both sides were beaten last week. Each team is 1-1 so far with Canada victors over U.S.A. 28-25, while losing to Italy 25-16. While Georgia defeated Ukraine 33-3, but lost to U.S.A. 38-20.

Georgia will be looking for a string performance by their pack, especially against a Canadian forward group that did not acquit itself well last week and is suffering some absenses. Canada will look to win the game in the backline, with some powerful and exciting runners avaiable as well as the ever steady goal kicking of James Pritchard.

The contest will be streamed by Rugby Canada on the channel they have been using for many games sportcanada.tv while the lack of TV cpverage is dissapointing the match should almost certainly be available in archive form for those unable to catch it live or in person.

A good sized crowd is expected to be in attendance as Canada have not played on the West coast since November of 2009. It's about time for the National team to play a game in front of these pasionate supporters.

Lineup's and further details will be posted as soon as available.

that's crap, last time they did that against the USA the cameraman for the stream was dreadful, he was far too slow and most of the plays had happened and his camera was behind the action, completely missed the USA's first try from Luke Hume

by the way is "Dave" from the Canadian commentary team Dave Lougheed former Canadian winger? or another Dave?

[Little Guy]

that's crap, last time they did that against the USA the cameraman for the stream was dreadful, he was far too slow and most of the plays had happened and his camera was behind the action, completely missed the USA's first try from Luke Hume

by the way is "Dave" from the Canadian commentary team Dave Lougheed former Canadian winger? or another Dave?

The stream last time was run by coresportsnetwork so I'm guessing this will be a different camera team. I've watched the sportscanada.tv matches and they aren't fantastic but nowhere near as bad as core sports was against the States. They will probably stick to the one overhead camera as much as possible. I haven't heard a Dave on the commentary team, I had thought that Nigel Reed and Brian Spanton handled the commentary for the Italy match but I was at the game so not 100% sure.

Edit: The coresports broadcast was terrible I think they actually missed a conversion by Pritchard totally, and no one spotted the yellow card handed to O'Toole, the only thing positive I have to say about it is the integrity of the stream mostly held, I only froze out for about 20 seconds in the 2nd half.

Edit Edit: Buydens is out of action with a broken leg, O'Toole is also banged up although avallable for selection perhaps he will be coming in off the bench.

[Canucks]

The stream last time was run by coresportsnetwork so I'm guessing this will be a different camera team. I've watched the sportcanada.tv matches and they aren't fantastic but nowhere near as bad as core sports was against the States. They will probably stick to the one overhead camera as much as possible. I haven't heard a Dave on the commentary team, I had thought that Nigel Reed and Brian Spanton handled the commentary for the Italy match but I was at the game so not 100% sure.

Edit: The coresports broadcast was terrible I think they actually missed a conversion by Pritchard totally, and no one spotted the yellow card handed to O'Toole, the only thing positive I have to say about it is the integrity of the stream mostly held, I only froze out for about 20 seconds in the 2nd half.

Edit Edit: Buydens is out of action with a broken leg, O'Toole is also banged up although avallable for selection perhaps he will be coming in off the bench.

This is a failure by Canada. This game should be on TSN. I mean what else will be on at that time. Massive loss of revenue.

I believe the team will come out and I expect a better game from the backs. Hopefully Sinclair gets a start at flanker as it looks like O'Toole needs a bit of rest.

[psychic duck]

This is a failure by Canada. This game should be on TSN. I mean what else will be on at that time. Massive loss of revenue.

I believe the team will come out and I expect a better game from the backs. Hopefully Sinclair gets a start at flanker as it looks like O'Toole needs a bit of rest.

the backs were fine against Italy, it wasn't there fault that the scrum was getting shoved off the pitch

[Little Guy]

This is a failure by Canada. This game should be on TSN. I mean what else will be on at that time. Massive loss of revenue.

I believe the team will come out and I expect a better game from the backs. Hopefully Sinclair gets a start at flanker as it looks like O'Toole needs a bit of rest.

My thoughts exactly on both the television and O'Toole, I also wouldn't mind seeing Dala start if Sinclair has to be in the 2nd row.

By the way guys I screwed up and it's sportscanada.tv I left out the s. The earlier posts will be edited. I can't see anything better being on especially on TSN2 and how much would have cost them to send a couple of bodies down to Swangard from their Vancouver studios. You'd think they'd want to build on the RWC since they have the rights to the next one(and possibly 2019 can't full remember) and 2011 brought TSN some pretty solid ratings(for time of the day/night they were even better.)

[psychic duck]

My thoughts exactly on both the television and O'Toole, I also wouldn't mind seeing Dala start if Sinclair has to be in the 2nd row.

By the way guys I screwed up and it's sportscanada.tv I left out the s. The earlier posts will be edited. I can't see anything better being on especially on TSN2 and how much would have cost them to send a couple of bodies down to Swangard from their Vancouver studios. You'd think they'd want to build on the RWC since they have the rights to the next one(and possibly 2019 can't full remember) and 2011 brought TSN some pretty solid ratings(for time of the day/night they were even better.)

why does O'Toole need a rest? Ospreys appearances for him were as rare as Tarsiers, so he can't be tired.

Or are you saying he needs to be dropped in a polite way?

[Little Guy]

why does O'Toole need a rest? Ospreys appearances for him were as rare as Tarsiers, so he can't be tired.

Or are you saying he needs to be dropped in a polite way?

He did get beat up last week and was questionable for this week's game but apparently got cleared medically for selection, I wouldn't mind seeing him dropped for Dala even is he is healthy though. I'm not sure what's going on with him but he isn't the same player he was nine months ago. Gareth Rees dropped a tidbit a few weeks ago and suggested that O'Toole would be a part of the full time 7's sqaud next season maybe he can get back into shape mentally and physically there.

[Toko_11]

Sutiashvili may come back to play against Canada. If he does it will be a great asset for our pack. doesn't matter if he plays in 2nd or 3rd row

[Little Guy]

Sutiashvili may come back to play against Canada. If he does it will be a great asset for our pack. doesn't matter if he plays in 2nd or 3rd row

Good news for Georgia if that happens. The Canadian lineup has been announced and will be posted at the top of the thread.

My thoughts on the Canadian squad. I like Tieddemann in for Pletch, Mike really struggled against Italy. The Buydens injury forces Dolezel to start hopefully he picks up his game big time as Georgia will still have a decent scrum and set piece play.

I like Ed starting instead of White, although it's a shame Jamie Mackenzie wasn't given a chance to play this spring. I also like Duke in for Scholz although Scholz was better this year than last.

I would have moved O'Toole to the bench for Dala, especially with Chauncey apparently having injury concerns.

[psychic duck]

Sutiashvili may come back to play against Canada. If he does it will be a great asset for our pack. doesn't matter if he plays in 2nd or 3rd row

hard working player as a flanker, but too lightweight for lock at scrums in my opinion, still an improvement on Bitsadze though who was anonymous in the last match, Sutiashvili is more of a workhorse player though he wouldn't make as much difference as getting Gorgodze, Basilaia or Kolelishvili back

hopefully Belkania is dropped, he's been poor at lineouts

what I hope Georgia opt for is

1. Nariashvili (not yet a challenger to Kakovin or Khinchagishvili for first choice, but still only 22 he is okay as a reserve, would get more caps if he went back to hooker where he played before tbh)
2. Mamukashvili (not amazing, but surely better than Belkania)
3. Zirakashvili (obviously)
4. Chkhaidze (better lock than Sutiashvili)
5. V Maisuradze (one of the better second choice players on the tour)
6. Sutiashvili (Labadze looked off the pace against USA unsurprisingly given his age, Bitsadze was anonymous)
7. Berishvili (not a preferred choice, but nobody else in the touring squad)
8. Z Maisuradze (like Berishvili, not comparable to the first choice option, but the best out of the depleted forwards in the squad)
9. Abuseridze (captain)
10. Khmaladze (wasn't the greatest defensively last week, would rather see him at 10 than 15)
11. Todua (the best Georgian player last week)
12. Zibzibadze (Sharikadze struggled against Suniula last week)
13. Kacharava (another Georgian who came out of last week with some credit)
14. Machkhaneli (had a poor match against USA, but has enough performances in the bank to be retained)
15. Kiasashvili

16. Belkania (simply because there are only two hookers in the squad)
17. Chilachava (better than Mirtskhulava, but unfortunately Mirtskhulava will almost certainly be selected ahead due to his versatility)
18. Chitidze
19. Bitsadze
20. Begadze
21. Sharikadze (covers fly half)
22. Gugava

Good news for Georgia if that happens. The Canadian lineup has been announced and will be posted at the top of the thread.

My thoughts on the Canadian squad. I like Tieddemann in for Pletch, Mike really struggled against Italy. The Buydens injury forces Dolezel to start hopefully he picks up his game big time as Georgia will still have a decent scrum and set piece play.

I like Ed starting instead of White, although it's a shame Jamie Mackenzie wasn't given a chance to play this spring. I also like Duke in for Scholz although Scholz was better this year than last.

I would have moved O'Toole to the bench for Dala, especially with Chauncey apparently having injury concerns.

how did Canada's front row do against USA?

[Little Guy]

Breaking update: Looks like Chauncey O'Toole, reaggravated his ankle injury in practice and is out of the lineup for Saturday, I'm assuming Dala gets the start now but not sure who Crowley will add to the bench.

[rusty_lock]

Just got a look at the the Canada lineup for Saturday and I'm excited about the changes. I have been saying for a couple of years now that Mackenzie needs to be tried at 12!!!! It's nice to see that coach C is finally taking my advise I'm surprised that DTH is being shifted to the wing after playing at 13 with national team for a couple of years but I guess I shouldn't be, that is and has been his natural position for years now. If I remember right he was playing wing for James Bay when he was still out here playing club. Glad to see Tiedeman back in at hooker, Pletch was awful. He does an outstanding job at club and provincial level but just falls apart one step up. Seems its always been that way with him. I might have been just me but I thought that the scrum looked a little steadier after he came in last week. I was hoping to see Sinclair in the back row but I guess I can understand he is needed in the second row as the pickin's are a little slim there and while I'm not certainly not happy with an injury to O'toole I'm happy Dala (i suspect) is getting the start. I thought he deserved the promotion and O'toole deserved the demotion. I suspect that Ardon moves back into the lineup on the bench. I'm with Little guy on the scrum half situation. I would have liked to see Jamie Mac in there at least off the bench but with Sir Edward back in the starting lineup it is now almost a guaranteed win. I just hope they can get the ball to Duke in space. He is an absolute gas man when he gets a chance. Check out some of his 7's highlights and you will see what I mean.

[Toko_11]

so the Georgian lineup was announced today. Not exactly the lineup I would've chosen but then again, I'm not a coach yet

[Little Guy]

so the Georgian lineup was announced today. Not exactly the lineup I would've chosen but then again, I'm not a coach yet

Do you have a link to the lineup Toko? I will add it in to the top of the thread.

[Toko_11]

21. Sharikadze (covers fly half)

Sharikadze left for The JWRT squad. I rate Zibzibadze Higher than him anyway but Sharikadze plays because he is a hot prospect for future. right at this moment though Sharikadze isn't as good as Zibzibadze.

Also exciting News Todua was dropped for Gugava and Sutiashvili will start on the bench...... Yah I don't understand the philosophy behind this move either
Also Chkaidze and Btsadze will switch the positions so one will be 4 and another 8
We could've solved so many problems by taking Datunashvili for the tests.

[Toko_11]

Do you have a link to the lineup Toko? I will add it in to the top of the thread.

i'l try to find it in English... or i'l just translate it in the end. give me a moment

[Little Guy]

i'l try to find it in English... or i'l just translate it in the end. give me a moment

Thanks Toko, rugby Canada hasn't posted the Georgian squad yet, and I can't read Georgian unfortunately.

[psychic duck]

1. Mikheil Nariashvili
2. Rezo Belkania
3. Davit Zirakashvili
4. Giorgi Chkhaidze
5. Vakhtang Maisuradze
6. Gia Labadze
7. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
8. Beka Bitsadze

9. Irakli Abuseridze
10. Merab Kvirikashvili
11. Lexo Gugava
12. Tedo Zibzibadze
13. Davit Kacharava
14. Irakli Machkhaneli
15. Irakli Kiasashvili

16. Shalva Mamukashvili
17. Levan Chilachava
18. Shalva Sutiashvili
19. Givi Berishvili
20. Bidzina Samkharadze
21. Lasha Malaghuradze
22. Sandro Todua

No idea why Belkania is retained, he's rubbish and it's not as if he's a youngster either he's 29. Labadze looked slow last week and they shouldn't have brought him out of retirement in my opinion.

No idea also why Todua has been left out, he was good against the USA and set up the first try.

The back row poor against the USA, and Canada should look to get on top on that area, Berishvili loses his place but 38 year old Labadze remains somehow despite not looking great against the USA, strange especially considering the first choice Sutiashvili is on the bench.

Sharikadze has gone to the Junior World Trophy and Khmaladze is injured.

[Toko_11]

1. Mikheil Nariashvili(Montpelier Debutante, not worried about this position)
2.Revaz Belqania(Inexperienced Hooker, Worried about lineouts)
3.Davit Zirakashvili(Bond... James Bond)
4.Giorgi Chkaidze(Mr.Diligent)
5.Vakhtang Maisuradze(Mr. Mediocrity... Good Sub though)
6.Gia Labadze(He's there for the lineouts btw he was a legendary jumper in his day)
7. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili(he did Shine for the u20 side but idk if he's ready for the national yet)
8. Beka Bitsadze(Risky decision. Coach is putting A lot of faith in him. I hope he does well)
9. Irakly Abuseridze (c)
10. Merab Kvirikashvili(Hopefully with his scoring boots)
11.Lekso Gugava(30 year old winger in good form. Not as good as Todua though)
12.Tedo Zibziadze(YAY killer tackles)
13.Davit Kacharava(And more killer tackles)
14.Irakli Machkaneli(old and experienced one of the faces of the team. not in form atm)
15.Irakli Kiassashvili(young ginger with no soul. No predictions on him. Sometimes he's amazing other times he's terrible)

Subs
16. Shalva Mamukashvili(another inexperienced hooker)
17. Levan Chilachava (I would say somewhat reliable prop)
18. Shalva Sutiashvili ( yes lets leave this guy on the bench, as if we're playing with our best lineup)
19.Givi Berishvili (this guy needs more practice or agressivnes or steroids IDK he is missing something tho... maybe its the new haircut)
20.Bidzina Samkharadze(universal experienced back)
21. Lasha malaguradze(universal experienced back)
22. Alexandre Todua(He should be in the starting lineup)

[Little Guy]

Thanks guys, also good to see your thoughts with the players Toko, some of these guys I've only seen once or twice and the American broadcasters were screwing the names up all over the place so it was hard for me to rate many of the performances last week.

[psychic duck]

the Georgian pack looks lightweight, according to the stats on the IRB site, Canada average weight in the pack is 111kg to Georgia's 103kg

here are the weights of the Georgian pack, there's not at all much weight behind the props when you consider most teams have locks of around 110-118 kg these days, I'm afraid this could hinder the Georgian scrum somewhat, Zirakashvili might not be so effective as when he has expert scrummaging locks Cudmore and Hines behind him like has at Clermont

Nariashvili (117kg)
Belkania (104kg)
Zirakashvili (112kg)
Chkhaidze (105kg)
Maisuradze (103kg)
Labadze (96kg)
Tkhilaishvili (99kg)
Bitsadze (100kg)

[Melhor Time]

Canada by 20.

My preview is here.

[Canucks]

I felt the backs did not get the ball at all therefore they weren't effective. I expect that they will have a better game as they will get the ball more.

I think the front row set up will work. Obviously would be stronger with Buydens in there but having a prop play at Hooker for the scrum isn't a bad idea. Especially with a former CIS quaterback Marshall throwing the lineouts.
I seriously think O'Toole needs to take some time off. There's been some hints of an injury for awhile and I think he just needs to refresh mentally and physically. He can be a beast of a player but something is preventing him from doing that. I was hoping to see Sinclair as a loosie but Dala will do just fine.
Shame Jamie Mackenzie doesn't get a shot at all.
I'm liking the new backline. Canada sorely needed a top back at 12 and I hope they have found it. Maybe we'll see more of Trainors running game as well. I can understand DTH in the centres as he is excellent at offloading and can run people over, but at wing, with all space he'll get, he will be lethal. As well, he won't have to make as many tackles and have more energy.

[psychic duck]

I don't understand why Canada would put DTH onto the wing, he is their best back and he is a natural 13 and would get much more ball there

[rusty_lock]

Looks like thunder showers in the forecast for this afternoon. The sun is trying to break through right now but it is apparently supposed to fail. Too bad...

I will try an post pics later...

[Little Guy]

Looks like thunder showers in the forecast for this afternoon. The sun is trying to break through right now but it is apparently supposed to fail. Too bad...

I will try an post pics later...

That should be an advantage to Georgia if the pitch becomes wet, will slow down Canada's backs, I can confirm that Dala is starting at #7 but have no idea who got added to the bench.

[rusty_lock]

on my way to the grounds. thunder showers have not appeared. it's mostly cloudy with a few blue sky breaks. I'll try and post from the ground once I get an idea what the crowd is like

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk 2

[Little Guy]

on my way to the grounds. thunder showers have not appeared. it's mostly cloudy with a few blue sky breaks. I'll try and post from the ground once I get an idea what the crowd is like

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk 2

Hope it's a great day out there Rusty and have a good time, I know the fans out there have been waiting a while for a home test, hopefully the weather holds up. I'm hoping the scrum can hold it's own today and we can finally unleash the backline to it's full potetntial.

[Canucks]

Hope it's a great day out there Rusty and have a good time, I know the fans out there have been waiting a while for a home test, hopefully the weather holds up. I'm hoping the scrum can hold it's own today and we can finally unleash the backline to it's full potetntial.

Rain? In Vancouver? Never.

Soooooo anyone else noticing the lack of a picture with this stream?

Edit: Nevermind here we go RugbyCanada The live stream is currently down, but we are working on it. Shouldn't be too far away! #gocanadago #CANvsGEO #rugby