Canadian rugby squad has Fiji in its sights

The Langford-based Canadian rugby team is in Fiji, but isn’t there to enjoy the white sands and turquoise waters. It’s all business in paradise as Canada takes on the quicksilver Fijians in a Pacific Nations Cup game today in Suva (10:15 p.m. PT on TSN2).

Canada will be looking to rebound from the 47-19 loss to the U.S. Eagles in the PNC opener last week in Denver, Colorado.

Canadian head coach Kingsley Jones, based in Sooke, prefers to look at the cup being half full.

“We were able to pull a lot out of that first Test against USA,” he said.

“It didn’t go our way, obviously. But it being the first time these guys have been put to the test out of camp [at Westhills Stadium], we’re focusing on the positives. We were able to find a lot out about each other and what we need to work on for this next match against Fiji.”

A total of 23 players has made the trip. Several of Canada’s biggest names — including captain Tyler Ardron and Victoria stars Phil Mack and DTH van der Merwe — have been kept home. This is clearly an opportunity for lower-depth players to state their case for inclusion on the team for the 2019 World Cup this fall in Japan.

“[PNC] is an opportunity for guys to put their hands up for the World Cup,” said Jones, when the 31-player PNC roster was announced in Langford last month.

“They have been given this opportunity in the PNC and it is huge for them.”

The Pacific Nations Cup is to prepare the rim countries for the World Cup. After tonight’s game against Fiji, the Canadians will prepare to play Tonga on Aug. 8 in Lautoka, Fiji.

Canada also has pre-World Cup matches lined up against Irish provincial power Leinster on Aug. 24 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ont., against the B.C. all-stars Aug. 30 at Westhills Stadium in Langford and against the U.S. on Sept. 7 at B.C. Place.

“There’s still a lot of rugby to be played,” said Jones.

“This match against Fiji, and then Tonga, will be huge. And then we have our home games against Leinster and U.S.A. Right now, it’s all about working on those unit skills, testing out individuals, and ultimately putting ourselves in the best position possible going into the World Cup.”

All of Canada’s overseas and Major League Rugby pros, and Langford-centralized players, are together through to the end of the World Cup. It is a situation that happens only rarely.

“The integration of everyone is critical,” said Jones. The eyes are on the prize. “You can feel everything is building to the World Cup,” said veteran Canadian player Lucas Rumball.

“But the first challenge is the Pacific Nations Cup to get certain things worked out and to get us working together.”