Calgarians left off roster for Italy match
Hassler, Blevins, McRorie will watch Canada’s World Cup game Saturday
There won’t be any Calgarians in Canada’s starting lineup for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup game against Italy.
Scrum half Gordon McRorie ( shoulder) and winger Jeff Hassler ( calf ) are both dealing with minor injuries, while centre Nick Blevins is also among six starters from Canada’s World Cup opening loss to Ireland left out this time.
Jamie Mackenzie replaces Calgary Hornets product McRorie, meaning he and brother Phil Mackenzie will become the first set of Canadian siblings to start a World Cup match together. Nathan Hirayama will take over kicking duties from McRorie.
Connor Braid will come in for Calgary’s Blevins.
Both Canada, ranked 18th in the world, and No. 15 Italy are 0- 1- 0 after weekend losses. Despite some good patches of play, the Canadians were put to the sword 50- 7 by No. 5 Ireland while an inconsistent Italy was beaten 32- 10 by No. 7 France.
Rugby Canada calls Saturday’s lineup the strongest available.
One of the Canadian tournament goals is securing automatic qualification for the next World Cup, which can be achieved by finishing third in its pool. Crowley has said that means two wins. That won’t be easy. The Canadians are 2- 5- 0 against Italy, which has won the last four meetings between the two. Canada’s wins came in 1983 and 2000.
Canada is boosted by the return of captain Tyler Ardron, who strained his medial collateral ligament July 29 against Samoa.
“He’s a very athletic player ... We’re expecting him to contribute around the field,” said Crowley. “It’s his first game back for a little while so he’s probably going to be a little bit rusty but certainly we’re expecting an impact from him. He’s chomping at the bit.”
The lanky forward should help the Canadians take on the physical Italians in the scrum and lineout at Elland Road in Leeds, England.
Earlier in the day, Rugby Canada announced it is bringing back James Pritchard, Canada’s all- time leading scorer, after initially leaving him off the roster.
The 36- year- old Australian- born fullback was added to the squad Thursday to replace Liam Underwood, who suffered a knee injury in Canada’s opening 50- 7 loss to Ireland on the weekend.
Underwood will miss the rest of the tournament.
“It’s unfortunate for Liam to not be able to finish this World Cup as he is a versatile player for us, having the ability to play 10 and 15 ( fly half and fullback) and his goal- kicking abilities,” Canadian coach Kieran Crowley said in a statement. NFL