Rugby sevens coach seeks consistency
New Canada coach Damian McGrath promised himself he would take stock of his resources on and off the field over the first two stops of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
What he saw in 13th-place finishes in Dubai and Cape Town ran the gamut.
“There were lots of really positive things,” the Englishman said. “In terms of performance on the field, some things that gave me great hope and other things where the inconsistencies of previous times are obviously still there. So it’s a lot to work on. I think the thing that’s hit me most of all is that we lack strength in depth. That’s got to be our priority in the next 12 months.”
Canada went 2-3-1 in Dubai and 2-4-0 in Cape Town.
McGrath will get another look at his squad in action this weekend in Wellington and Feb. 4-5 in Sydney.
John Moonlight gives way as captain to Harry Jones in New Zealand and Nate Hirayama in Australia. Moonlight, who appeared in his 50th Series event in Cape Town, is on the roster but temporarily steps down as skipper because he missed several weeks training with the team due to his preparations to become a firefighter.
“He’s too important a player to do without,” McGrath said. “I’m really pleased that John’s going to be available.”
Injuries have not helped the cause with three players going down during one ill-fated passage of play in a 43-14 loss to Argentina in Cape Town.
Phil Berna subsequently required arm surgery while Liam Underwood remains out after aggravating a shoulder injury. Pat Kay hurt his hand but has since recovered.
Canada will face Wales, Scotland and Russia in Pool D in Wellington where Isaac Kaay gets his first senior call-up. This season Canada is 1-0 against Russia, 0-1 against Wales and has yet to face Scotland.
The Canadian men are 13-301 all-time against Wales, 11-16 against Scotland and 16-8 against Russia.