Riordan hails Canada's amateur spirit

Pat Riordan believes Canada's 'club' spirit will be a huge asset as they take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.

Pat Riordan believes Canada's 'club' spirit will be a huge asset as they take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.

Friday sees the end of Canada's tour, which started with a win against Portugal, before they were thrashed 55-0 against Ireland last weekend.

However, with Wales to come Riordan insists the spirit in the Canadian camp is second to none, and is helping the players stay focused on the task at hand.

“We need to keep spirits high, there's a lot of fun,” the University of Victoria Vikings hooker told BBC Sport.

“It keeps the spirits up especially after a game like Ireland where it didn't go quite as well as planned and you've got to rebuild.”

With the bulk of Canada's side still being semi-professional it has been a difficult tour for them, especially given that many players are having to take leave from work to tour.

Despite a lack of professional players in the squad Riordan insists their preparation is fully professional, but also cites the squad's amateur ethos as a positive effect on morale.

Although Canada have won just once in 10 meetings with Wales, a 26-24 victory back in 1993, Riordan warns not to write the tourists off.

“Any game there's the possibility that both teams can win,” Riordan added.

“If you don't believe you can win why do you even bother coming out of the changing room, you're wasting everybody's time.

“We know it's going to be a challenge, we know we didn't play our best last weekend.”