Canada faces Portugal without key players, Olmstead returns
By Grant FeeleyCanada’s senior men’s team will face Portugal in the Nations Cup without key loose forwards Lucas Rumball and Tyler Ardron, who are unavailable due to “prior commitments,” as reported by BC Rugby News. This presents a significant challenge for head coach Stephen Meehan, who has not secured a victory in his tenure without Ardron in the lineup.
Squad Adjustments and Player Absences
The absence of Rumball and Ardron, both integral loose forwards, necessitates significant reshuffling. Evan Olmstead, rumored to be joining Nissa next season, returns to start at openside flanker. Sion Parry steps into the number eight role, with Mason Flesch completing the back row. The tight five remains unchanged from last weekend's draw against Spain.
BC Rugby News
@BCRugbyNewsMeehan Names Match 23 for Portugal Clash: Ardron and Rumball Missing – Olmstead Gets Start
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Further changes in the backline see scrum-half Jason Higgins retain his starting spot. Peter Nelson shifts from fullback to fly-half, filling the void left by Cooper Coats, who sustained an injury in the previous match and is not in the roster. Takoda McMullin moves from the bench to start at fullback, while the wingers and centers maintain their positions from the last game. Cody Nhanala joins the bench as a reserve loose forward, and Liam James comes in as a reserve back.
Notable players not called into the squad include Bryce Worden, Foster Dewitt, and Reegan O’Gorman in the forwards, and Lockie Kratz, Henry Kirwan, and Stephen Webb in the backs, as highlighted by BC Rugby News.
Tactical Challenges and Opponent Form
Canada, currently ranked 23rd globally after rising two spots following their draw with Spain, faces a Portugal team ranked 15th. Portugal recently dropped a spot from 14th after a narrow 30-29 loss to USA Rugby last weekend. Despite scoring four tries to the USA's three, Portugal’s discipline issues, including two red cards and a yellow, combined with three crucial penalty goals for the USA, cost them the match, according to BC Rugby News reporting. All four Portuguese tries against the USA were scored by winger Manuel Cardoso Pinto.
Last weekend against Spain, Canada experienced defensive vulnerabilities in the midfield, with Spanish centers creating several line breaks that led to tries. Meehan's tactical adjustments, particularly given the unchanged lineup in some areas, will be crucial. The performance of the reserve props, who conceded critical scrum penalties late in the game against Spain, is another area to monitor. Canada's box kick and chase strategy also struggled without specialist wingers, an issue the team hopes to address or adapt this weekend.
Match Context and Outlook
Canada will attempt to build on the momentum of their hard-fought draw against Spain, which marked their opening match of the Nations Cup. The squad will take on Portugal at Clarke Stadium. Canadian rugby fans can watch the match live on TSN2 and TSN+.
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