As we do after every major tournament, we take a look at the state of affairs in each of rugby's leading nations. Next up, Canada.
World Cup ambitions v results: Having failed to claim a win at a World Cup for the first time in their history in 2007, Canada certainly put in a much improved performance this time around.
Ranked below Tonga and Japan heading into the tournament, Canada punched above their weight by claiming a win over the Tongans and a draw against the Brave Blossoms.
While comprehensively hammered by the All Blacks, Canada gave France a good battle, keeping the eventual runners-up in check until the final quarter when three tries to the French stretched the score out to 46-19.
However, fourth place in the group means that the Canucks do not qualify automatically for the next World Cup and, as that was one of their goals, there will certainly be a feeling of disappointment. Captain Pat Riordan commented that if his men had shut the French out for ten more minutes or shown a tad more composure against the Japanese, the tournament would have had a very different complexion for them.
Backs DTH van der Merwe and Phil Mackenzie were stand-outs for the Canucks while up front Adam Kleeberger's beard wasn't the only aspect of the flanker that impressed.
The changing of the guard: Looking purely at age, as much as 80 per cent of the squad still could be in contention come RWC 2015. However, key men like Riordan, scrum-half Ed Fairhurst and full-back James Pritchard may not feature for too much longer.
Looking into the crystal ball: First and foremost, Canada need to retain the services of coach Kieran Crowley. The Kiwi has had a major impact and looks the right man to lead the team into the next World Cup.
Like many smaller nations, the Canadians primarily need two things two improve: more time together as a squad and additional games against top tear teams.
Comments
chocol8thunda says...
I also think that regular tours during the June and Autumn test window is greatly needed.
Posted 22:42 10th April 2012
minkusbc says...
I would like to see a Pacific 6 or 7 nations tournament every year like the Northern Hemisphere one in Europe. Canada, USA, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, with maybe Uraguay. Argentina will be in the quad nations with Austalia, New Zealand and South Africa, so they are covered. All of these nations in the Pacific are close to each other in ranking and it could improve our teams a lot.
Posted 23:21 30th October 2011