U.S.A. vs. Canada. RWCQ 1st leg, 17/08/13

[LittleGuy]

U.S.A. vs. Canada. RWCQ 1st leg, 17/08/13, @ Blackbaud Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America. 6:30 p.m. EDT. ( 3:30 p.m. PDT)

Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)

TV Coverage: Canada, TSN2 (live) U.S.A., Universal Sports (live)

I believe the game will be carried on Universal Sports in the United States, and will be simulcast on TSN2 live in Canada...I stand to be corrected though. A good crowd is also expected to take in the game as there was in 2009, lets just hope the rugby is way better than that leg four years ago.

Time to get this fired up boys and back to the rugby!!! The 15th ranked(Canada) and 18th(U.S.A.) ranked countries in the IRB will play the first leg of their Rugby World Cup qualification, total points, home and away series in gorgeous(and possibly hot as hell) South Carolina. The America's #1 spot and a position in the European pool(errrr Pool D) for 2015 is on the line!!!! The loser of the series will be forced to take on Los Teros in November for America's #2 spot and a position in Pool B.

Lineups will be posted when available, though rumours are both teams will be at virtual full strength with only one or two first choicers missing from each side.

Canada

Starters

1- Andrew Tiedemann, (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB
2- Ryan Hamilton, (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
3- Jason Marshall, (Atlantique Stade Rochelais/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
4- Jebb Sinclair, (London Irish) Fredericton, NB
5- Jamie Cudmore, (ASM Clermont Auvergne) Squamish, BC
6- Tyler Ardron, (Ospreys/Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON
7- John Moonlight, (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON
8- Aaron Carpenter, Captain, (Cornish Pirates) Brantford, ON
9- Phil Mack, (Uvic Vikes/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
10- Harry Jones, (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) West Vancouver, BC
11- DTH Van Der Merwe, (Glasgow Warriors) Regina, SK
12- Nick Blevins, (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
13- Ciaran Hearn, (Castaway Wanderers/Atlantic Rock) Conception Bay, NL
14- Matt Evans, (Cornish Pirates) Maple Bay, BC
15- James Pritchard, (Bedford Blues) Parkes, NSW, Australia

Bench

16- Ray Barkwill, (Niagara Wasps RFC/Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON
17- Tom Dolezel, (London St. George’s/Ontario Blues) London, ON
18- Doug Wooldridge, (Lindsay RFC/Ontario Blues) Lindsay, ON
19- Tyler Hotson, (London Scottish) Vancouver, BC
20- Nanyak Dala, (Castaway Wanderers RFC/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
21- Sean White, (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
22- Nathan Hirayama, (UVIC Vikes/BC Bears) Richmond, BC
23- Phil Mackenzie, (Sale Sharks) Oakville, ON



U.S.A.

Starters

1. Shawn Pittman
2. Chris Biller
3. Eric Fry
4. Lou Stanfill
5. Samu Manoa
6. Scott LaValla
7. Peter Dahl
8. Todd Clever (C)
9. Mike Petri
10. Toby L'Estrange
11. Blaine Scully
12. Andrew Suniula
13. Seamus Kelly
14. Taku Ngwenya
15. Chris Wyles

Reserves

16. Zach Fenoglio
17. Titi Lamositele
18. Phil Thiel
19. Brian Doyle
20. Cam Dolan
21. Robbie Shaw
22. Folau Niua
23. Roland Suniula

 

[dudeabides]

Actually it's South Carolina, not North but I can't wait for it, just trying to find someone else to take a free ticket. My friend had to cancel and it's hard to sell a ticket when it's not sold out so I've got a free one if anybody's interested. Talk about a long shot.

 

[LittleGuy]

Actually it's South Carolina, not North but I can't wait for it, just trying to find someone else willing to drive that far and I'd give them a free ticket... heh, not that they're expensive or even sold out last time I checked.

MY apologies, this will be fixed....I should have remembered that as someone who knows a bit about the civil war...brain fart time.

 

[dudeabides]

No problemo, I always liked North Carolina better anyway.. uh oh if any gamecock types see that. I actually have found people that would drive with me but didn't want to see the match, can you believe that? Just because I drive through a town called Savannah on the way. I am sure the US team is taking the qualifiers very seriously, well hopefully... but it kind of seems like the more important tests are getting overshadowed by their test against the New Zealand Maori in Philadelphia. That's just imo from reading the usual sites I go to for USA rugby information and news, including the official one.

 

[Feicarsinn]

MY apologies, this will be fixed....I should have remembered that as someone who knows a bit about the civil war...brain fart time.

Goddammit Little Guy. It's crap like this that has Canadian rugby where it is.

 

[LittleGuy]

Goddammit Little Guy. It's crap like this that has Canadian rugby where it is.

In the spirit of Rugby Canada, I'll have to do a ****ty online stream of me posting the 2nd leg thread, it will cut out constantly, the camera will wildly flicker over and show my cat licking his nuts, the audio will cut out constantly.

Edit: @ Dude, I went down to the part of the States as a young kid, though was in Virginia for longer than the carolinas. Went to Jamestown, the Atlantic fleet naval base(as they were returning from the gulf war.) I enjoyed it nice people and great scenery.

 

[AmericanSinBin]

There is a good amount of buzz going on about this game. I believe several NC club team members and as far up as D.C are planning on making the game. American Sin Bin and World Rugby Shop will be there attending all the events surrounding the game. Each year US rugby gets a little more popular and the stadium a little more filled. Hopefully it will be a great game! Excited to watch rugby in the States live and not have to travel to Vegas.

 

[Jaguares]

Canada is still better than USA? Or is there a possibility that the Eagles win this match?


Regards

 

[AmericanSinBin]

Yes, Canada is better, but is should be a good game. USA won't just roll over and give it to them, playing the states gives the extra drive to win. And crazier things have happened then a number 19 team beating a 16 team.

 

[yarmolinsky]

Can't wait =)) The game is doomed to be passionate))

 

[canadafan]

Will be interesting to see just how important Buydens was to our scrum dominance over the U.S. Other than him, we should be fielding our first choice line up.

 

[LittleGuy]

Cudmore confirmed he'll be joining the side Thursday on twitter today...big boost for the scrum and the team in general.

 

[canadafan]

Cudmore confirmed he'll be joining the side Thursday on twitter today...big boost for the scrum and the team in general.

So he does want to play in the next world cup!

 

[LittleGuy]

So he does want to play in the next world cup!

I have a feeling it will be him and Pritchard's career finale, great way to go out.

 

[canadafan]

I have a feeling it will be him and Pritchard's career finale, great way to go out.

No offense, but that isn't exactly a 'bold statement' to make.

 

[LittleGuy]

No offense, but that isn't exactly a 'bold statement' to make.

Wasn't meant to be bold, though many think Pritchard is already done for including some in the "rugby know" in Canadian circles(was going to post about that but too tired and not in the mood tonight)...I disagree with them.

 

[canadafan]

Wasn't meant to be bold, though many think Pritchard is already done for including some in the "rugby know" in Canadian circles(was going to post about that but too tired and not in the mood tonight)...I disagree with them.

Who's talking smack about Pritchard?

 

[Jaguares]

The loser will play against Uruguay?

 

[CDN_Rugby]

Wasn't meant to be bold, though many think Pritchard is already done for including some in the "rugby know" in Canadian circles(was going to post about that but too tired and not in the mood tonight)...I disagree with them.

I'd disagree with them too, but I see where they are coming from as Trainor, Evans, Mackenzie, Hassler, Paris, and DTH all offer more attacking flare. People forget that Pritchard was never included in the squad because he could read a defence like Christian Cullen- he's been included because he doesn't make mistakes and is as good a kicker as anyone in rugby. And as a team that needs to capitalise on the mistakes of others, his kicking is needed more than we care to imagine.

Given that he still does that at his age (33?) and there is nobody who appears ready to inherit his boot (O'Leary? McCann? Braid?) I see him sticking around until someone literally gives him the boot (pun intended). Until then, he has to stay.

 

[CDN_Rugby]

The loser will play against Uruguay?

Yes.

 

[Canadian_Rugger]

I'd disagree with them too, but I see where they are coming from as Trainor, Evans, Mackenzie, Hassler, Paris, and DTH all offer more attacking flare. People forget that Pritchard was never included in the squad because he could read a defence like Christian Cullen- he's been included because he doesn't make mistakes and is as good a kicker as anyone in rugby. And as a team that needs to capitalise on the mistakes of others, his kicking is needed more than we care to imagine.

Given that he still does that at his age (33?) and there is nobody who appears ready to inherit his boot (O'Leary? McCann? Braid?) I see him sticking around until someone literally gives him the boot (pun intended). Until then, he has to stay.

Pritchard is still one of our best players. He is not flashy, but he does not make mistakes which is a quality we desperately need! There have been a number of games over the past couple of years that we have won purely off his boot. Will see what happens after the fall tour but I have a feeling will keep him around.

 

[psychic duck]

I'd disagree with them too, but I see where they are coming from as Trainor, Evans, Mackenzie, Hassler, Paris, and DTH all offer more attacking flare. People forget that Pritchard was never included in the squad because he could read a defence like Christian Cullen- he's been included because he doesn't make mistakes and is as good a kicker as anyone in rugby. And as a team that needs to capitalise on the mistakes of others, his kicking is needed more than we care to imagine.

Given that he still does that at his age (33?) and there is nobody who appears ready to inherit his boot (O'Leary? McCann? Braid?) I see him sticking around until someone literally gives him the boot (pun intended). Until then, he has to stay.

This post sums up the situation well. Pritchard's slot in the short term is safe unless either an alternative goal kicker up to standard emerges (on most recent evidence Braid isn't there yet) or either he shows a decline and becomes a liability in open play or his goal kicking declines.

 

[canadafan]

My lineup for Canada would be:

1 Wooldridge
2 Hamilton
3 Marshall
4 Sinclair
5 Cudmore
6 Ardron
7 Moonlight
8 Carpenter (c)

9 White
10 Underwood
11 Evans
12 Mackenzie
13 DTH
14 Hassler
15 Pritchard

16. Barkwill
17. Tiedemann
18. Dolozel
19. Hotson
20. Dala/Kleeberger (if Kleeberger is 100% up to speed he is on the bench)
21. Mack
22. Trainor
23. Braid/Paris (tough one here, can't decide either way)

What do you guys think?

 

[CDN_Rugby]

My lineup for Canada would be:

1 Wooldridge
2 Hamilton
3 Marshall
4 Sinclair
5 Cudmore
6 Ardron
7 Moonlight
8 Carpenter (c)

9 White
10 Underwood
11 Evans
12 Mackenzie
13 DTH
14 Hassler
15 Pritchard

16. Barkwill
17. Tiedemann
18. Dolozel
19. Hotson
20. Dala/Kleeberger (if Kleeberger is 100% up to speed he is on the bench)
21. Mack
22. Trainor
23. Braid/Paris (tough one here, can't decide either way)

What do you guys think?

I agree for the most part. I anticipate that our lineup will look like this:

1) Tiedemann
2) Barkwill
3) Marshall
4) Cudmore
5) Hotson
6) Ardron
7) Sinclair
8) Carpenter (c)

9) Mack
10) Braid
11) Mackenzie
12) Evans (Evans and Mackenzie could be swapped- I think we need both of them in the starting XV even if one of them is out of position)
13) DTH
14) Hassler
15) Pritchard

16) Hamilton
17) Wooldridge
18) Dolezel
19) Beukeboom
20) Dala (Or Kleeberger if he is healthy, but that's not likely)
21) White
22) Hearn
23) Paris

A few notes:
- No prop really deserves to start at loosehead for Buydens but Tiedemann is the best of the three.
- Hard to leave Moonlight out given that him and Dala are neck and neck.
- Like I said, Evans needs to be on the pitch all the time even if that means playing on the wing, 12 or even 10.
- Hearn is a good sub, especially given his long range boot.
- You can't ignore Mack's play during the PNC, he was better than White IMO.
- Shame Trainor isn't ready because he's likely the best 12.
- Sinclair needs to be in the backrow, he's not as involved when he's in the engine room.

 

[canadafan]

Some interesting calls you made there.

I would still have Underwood over Braid at 10, I liked how Underwood ran at the line and distributed the ball. Did Braid play at 10 at all during the PNC? Kleeberger just finished playing 7s for the Maple Leafs so I think he is back, but I wouldn't start him. With Cudmore playing we could move Sinclair back to the backrow, but I am not sure if that is the best idea. Trainor is still not healthy? FFS. I would have that 6'7" monster(his name escapes me right now) on the bench before Beukeboom. No Hirayama is great to see.

 

[LittleGuy]

Braid has been named to be part of the BC Bears lineup this weekend for what that means....and Trainor still isn't ready....Kleeberger has finally gotten back on the field recently as has Scholz.

Agree with everyone on Pritch...also like to add his vice captaincy duties and he's very well liked by the team. I think going forward it's entirely possible his role will shift slightly, especially with the enlarged bench it's entirely possible Pritch becomes an hour long player or maybe a tactical sub for close games.

Was Phelan who you were thinking of Canadafan?

I would pick a lineup extremely similar to what CDN_Rugby has...

1) Marshall (Don't do anything dumb please)
2) Barkwill (Get's better each time out, like his 40-55 minute games with Hamilton than coming on)
3) Tieddemann (God we will miss Buydens)
4) Cudmore (Woohoo!!!)
5) Hotson (Played well in June)
6) Ardron
7) Sinclair
8) Carpenter (c) (Love that backrow)
9) Mack (or White, I don't really care both played very well in June)
10) Braid (If Trainor was healthy I'd be willing to give Evans a shot here and have Braid on the bench)
11) Evans (There are inordinate possible combinations for 11-15)
12) Mackenzie (Like his defence slightly over Evans)
13) Van De Merwe (Glad he's back)
14) Hassler (See above)
15) Pritchard (Goal kicking, goal kicking....and some more goal kicking....in a two game total points series you can't leave points on the board, a big step up from the Eagles kickers on most days)

16) Hamilton (see Barkwill)
17) Wooldridge (Hopefully only needed for twenty minutes)
18) Dolezel (Hopefully only needed for ten minutes)
19) Beukeboom(Or Phelan....think Beuks is tad better though)
20) Dala (Kleebs maybe, especially in 2nd game. Or Moonlight perhaps. depth oozing out of the side here)
21) White (Like both our scrummies)
22) Hearn (Good old Vanilla Hearn, jack of all trades...master of none....still worth for his utility)
23) Paris (Can create a late spark, defensive and decision making weaknesses lessened on the bench)




Interesting article by former TRF member Melhor Time(Paul Tait) on the possibilites of Carpenter moving to Hooker, I don't hate the idea entirely(though I think Barkwill/Hamilton has become a decent combo) but I would certainly wait till November to start playing around with things....

http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.ca/2013/08/aaron-carpenter-hooker-bound.html

 

[Big Ewis]

will definitely try hard to tune into this one...officially the two teams in Rugby I really want to see grow.

 

[LittleGuy]

I screwed up the USA ranking they are 18th not 19th....maybe I shouldn't have mentioned since no one noticed.... The correct rank has been edited in.

 

[canadafan]

Why the lack of Underwood love? I thought he played well in the PNC, while Braid struggled a lot. Also LG, has Marshall ever played at loosehead? I know Tiedemann is a better tighthead than loosehead, but that is a strange switch to make, IMO.

 

[Jaguares]

Canada will have new shirt this year?