Rugby tuneup promises to be a battle
Two James Bay Athletic Association products can be excused for feeling a sense of déja vu today when Canada plays the Glasgow Warriors in a pre-World Cup rugby tune-up in Halifax.
Connor Braid and DTH van der Merwe both played pro for the Warriors and last season were part of Glasgow’s first Guinness Pro 12 League championship.
“I left on good terms, but maybe I still have a point to prove,” said Braid, a graduate of Oak Bay High.
Braid explained that since Canada commitments would have impacted his club time with Glasgow this fall, both sides had to make a decision. It turned out to be a good one for Braid, as he will make his World Cup debut at England 2015 after he was included on Canada’s final 31-player roster announced this week.
Today’s game, in reference to its Nova Scotia setting, is billed the Battle of New Scotland. Showing he has a sense of occasion, Canadian head coach Kieran Crowley of Mill Bay has tapped both Braid and Van der Merwe as starters against their old Warriors clubmates.
The ever-threatening winger Van der Merwe, who came to JBAA after being born in South Africa, is now a pro in Wales with the Scarlets. But not before he became the all-time leader in tries scored for the Warriors during his six seasons playing in Glasgow. The fleet and elusive Van der Merwe will be wearing Canadian colours in the World Cup for the third time.
The steady Braid will start at centre in Halifax alongside Ciaran Hearn from the Castaway Wanderers of Oak Bay. The on-field braintrust at scrum-half and flyhalf, respectively, will consist of Oak Bay High-product Phil Mack from JBAA and Nathan Hirayama of the University of Victoria Vikes.
Also among the starters are Nanyak Dala of Castaway Wanderers, Cornish Pirates pro Matt Evans from Duncan and UVic Vikes grad Andrew Tiedemann.
Today’s non-Test will be followed by Tests against Georgia on Wednesday in Esher, England, and against Fiji on Sept. 6 at The Stoop in London as Canada continues its 2015 World Cup preparations.