One change to Canada's starting team to face USA
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Alistair Clark, who scored a try on debut last weekend in Canada’s 33-17 win over Uruguay, replaces Kyle Gilmour at openside flanker in the starting XV while Liam Chisholm is added to the bench. Gilmour is unavailable due to injury.
“We arrived Tuesday and so far training has gone very well,” Ratier said. “We’re keen to build off of our performance against Uruguay.
“Besides Kyle, the team is healthy so we had no reason to change the roster. The more they play together the more they will find their timing.”
Ratier maintains the same tight five as Captain Hubert Buydens, Ray Barkwill, Jake Ilnicki, Callum Morrison and Paul Ciulini keep their places. Clark is joined by Lucas Rumball at blindside flanker with Clay Panga at no.8.
Gordon McRorie, who kicked eight points against Uruguay, will start at scrum half while Calgary’s Gradyn Bowd gets the nod at fly half. Dan Moor and Phil Mackenzie man the wings with Mozac Samson and Nick Blevins at centre. Newfoundland’s Pat Parfrey starts at fullback.
Canada role into their second game of the ARC on a high after a fantastic win over Uruguay at Westhills Stadium in the first game of the tournament in which they ran in five tries and thrilled a crowd of 1,123 home fans.
Debutant Dan Moor had a pair of tries while Clark also touched down less than two minutes into his test debut. 2015 Rugby World Cup veterans Mackenzie and Blevins also scored tries.
The USA began their campaign with a thrilling 35-35 draw with Argentina XV on Saturday. Canada is 38-15-1 all-time against the USA in test matches although the USA have won the past three matchups, including two last year in the lead in to the Rugby World Cup.
“We know that they are a physical side and are efficient at the breakdown,” Ratier said. “They will provide strong opposition for us.”
The ARC will give Canada four additional test matches a year with games against Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and the USA. They will also travel to Argentina as part of the ARC and while classed as an official test match, point rankings will not be awarded for either team. Canada will host Brazil on Feb. 20 at Westhills Stadium.
