Kingsley fine tunes Canucks ahead of World Cup qualifier
WITH Canada largely covered in snow Kingsley Jones took the opportunity to organise an intensive four-day camp based at the Surrey Sports centre in Guildford last week to sharpen his squad ahead of their World Cup qualifying double header against Uruguay which gets underway in Vancouver on Saturday.
Jones was able to gather virtually his entire available squad – it’s as easy for many of them to fly into London as it is Vancouver – and utilised every available hour as the countdown in earnest continue.
Canada have never failed to qualify for the World Cup but an improving Uruguay pose a big threat. In fact on recent form Los Toros are probably favourites, especially with their home game coming last. Canada have more experienced backs but the Uruguay pack is becoming a very useful unit.
Jones told TRP: “Both ourselves and Uruguay were given a special window by World Rugby to get our squad together for four or five days this week and everybody was in attendance at camp except Jeff Hassler who had two massive Euro games for Ospreys and stayed in Wales with our blessing.
“It was time well spent, we based our selves at the Surrey Sports village with all its incredible facilities and pretty much worked around the clock on fitness and meetings.
“On Tuesday we concentrated mainly on two sessions with Quins. All the units practiced together in the morning and then it was restart drills in the afternoon, attacking and receiving. It was hugely beneficial to us and I hope Quins got something out of it as well. They were great hosts and we thank them for making it all possible.
“Then on the Wednesday we went up to Oxford and had two 30 minutes halves against the Blues team in a full contact but controlled hit out refereed by Karl Dickson. We got a lot done in a short space of time, thanks again to the Oxford lads and Karl for that. It provided a vital hit out after our November Tests.
“This coming week back in Vancouver it’s about fine tuning and I’m delighted my old mate Philippe Saint Andre is on board for the next fortnight. I’ve asked him to work specifically with our back three which we see as a big strength in our team – Jeff Hassler, DTH Van der Merwe, Taylor Paris and some very promising younger players – which we need to maximise.
“I’ve also asked Philippe to challenge things I say and do. Everybody needs to be challenged. We’ve known each other a long time and can do that without any offence being taken or egos being bruised. My only concern is to maximise Canada’s performance on the pitch.”
The loser of the double header will still go into the repechage system but the possibility of tangling with a full strength Samoa there is none too enticing. Both Canada and Uruguay would be doing themselves a big favour if they could get the job done over the coming two weeks.