Wales v Canada Preview
By Lestyn - 10/10/03
October 10 2003
Steve Hansen has confirmed the side to face Canada on Sunday, in Wales's opening World cup game. As expected Ceri Sweeney is given the nod over Stephen Jones at outside half, where he will contiue his successful partnership with Iestyn Harris.
Kevin Morgan returns after his long injury layout. The other main talking points are that Sonny Parker is picked ahead of Tom Shanklin at outside centre, Mark Jones is
proffered over Rhys Williams on the wing, and Robert Sidoli is dropped to the bench, although he should feature at some point.
Originally it had been thought that Wales would name a weakened line up, but full respect has been given to the Cannucks. Although there are some slightly surprising selections up
front. At loose head Duncan Jones comes in, with Iestyn Thomas rested from the 22 completely. Aussie born lock Brent Cockbain partners Gareth Llewellyn in the second row. Cockbain's inclusion could suggest a more physical approach, which Hansen confirmed.
"I expect Canada to be very enthusiastic. They are hard-nosed, in your face. We've got to match their enthusiasm.
"They are not a side you can play airy-fairy rugby against.
"But if we perform to the best of our ability the result will take care of itself."
It looks very much like a case of Wales adapting their own style to combat the Canadian threat, such tactics have never suited us. Trying to play the "Welsh"
expansive game, trying to run an aging Canada side off the hard ground of the Telstra dome in Melbourne.
There is little to worry about in the Canadian XV, outside half Bobby Ross had a spell with Cardiff in the mid nineties, but made little impact. It's a shame that both Dan Baugh and John Tait are still with their clubs back in Europe, but with Gwent Dragon Rod Snow at prop and Saracens scrum half Morgan William' they do possess some quality international players, but like any small rugby country they lack strength in depth.
As usual the high levels of optimism have kicked in, so I would expect a Welsh win by at least 10 points.
Line
up’s:
|
Wales |
|
Canada |
||
|
1. |
Duncan Jones |
|
1. |
Rod Snow |
|
2. |
Robin McBryde |
|
2. |
Mark Lawson |
|
3. |
Gethin Jenkins |
|
3. |
John Thiel |
|
4. |
Brent Cockbain |
|
4. |
Colin Yukes |
|
5. |
Gareth Llewellyn |
|
5. |
Mike James |
|
6. |
Dafydd Jones |
|
6. |
Al Charron (Capt) |
|
7. |
Martyn Williams |
|
7. |
Adam van Staveren |
|
8. |
Colin Charvis (Capt) |
|
8. |
Josh Jackson |
|
9. |
Gareth Cooper |
|
9. |
Morgan Williams |
|
10. |
Ceri Sweeney |
|
10. |
Bob Ross |
|
11. |
Mark Jones |
|
11. |
Winston Stanley |
|
12. |
Iestyn Harris |
|
12. |
Marco Di Girolamo |
|
13. |
Sonny Parker |
|
13. |
John Cannon |
|
14. |
Mark Jones |
|
14. |
David Lougheed |
|
15. |
Kevin Morgan |
|
15. |
James Pritchard |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Replacements |
|
Replacements |
||
|
16. |
Huw Bennett |
|
16. |
Aaron Abrams |
|
17. |
Adam Jones |
|
17. |
Kevin Tkachuk |
|
18. |
Jonathan Thomas |
|
18. |
Garth Cooke |
|
19. |
Robert Sidoli |
|
19. |
Jamie Cudmore |
|
20. |
Dwayne Peel |
|
20. |
Ryan Banks |
|
21. |
Rhys Williams |
|
21. |
Ed Fairhurst |
|
22. |
Mark Taylor |
|
22. |
|