News

Canada chop and change

Wednesday 19th November 2008

Ed Fairhurst: To skipper Canada against the Scots

Canada coach Kieran Crowley has made four changes to his starting line-up and one positional switch to face Scotland in their fourth and final match of the November Test series at Pittodrie.

The side includes a re-jigged front row, a change at fly-half and a new cap on the wing as the Canucks prepare to play the Scots in chilly Aberdeen.

In the front row, Mike Pletch takes over hooker duties from captain Pat Riordan who was injured in the game against Wales, while Scott Franklin comes in at tighthead prop.

The second row remains the same, as does the back row with Aaron Carpenter holding down the number eight spot for a third straight week.

Ed Fairhurst will captain the side from scrum-half in Riordan's absence, and he will partner 20-year-old Matt Evans who wins his first full start at fly-half.

In the midfield, Ryan Smith resumes his inside centre role, with Newfoundland's Ciaran Hearn winning his second straight start, but this time at outside centre instead of on the wing.

The wing berth belongs to debutant Sean Duke, to be partnered by Justin Mensah-Coker who lends his height and pace into what will be a pacy back three. At full-back James Pritchard wins his fourth cap on tour, with his speed into the line and sublime place-kicking continuing to be a huge part of this Canadian team.

On the replacements bench, Newfoundland's Frank Walsh will be front row cover with Mike Burak acting as back-up for the second row. Sean Michael Stephen will cover the loose forwards, while veteran Morgan Williams is the scrum-half change if needed.

Nathan Hirayama is the switch at fly-half, with Bryn Keys filling a centre spot. Crowley is still waiting to name his final replacement.

Canada have beaten Scotland twice, both times in Canada and this is the first visit to Scotland since 1995 when the Scots beat Canada 22-6.

Canada: 15 James Pritchard, 14 Sean Duke, 13 Ciaran Hearn, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Justin Mensah-Coker, 10 Matt Evans, 9 Ed Fairhurst (c), 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Adam Kleeberger, 6 Jebb Sinclair, 5 Josh Jackson, 4 Tyler Hotson, 3 Scott Franklin, 2 Mike Pletch, 1 Kevin Tkachuk.
Replacements: 16 tbc, 17 Frank Walsh, 18 Mike Burak, 19 Sean Michael Stephen, 20 Morgan Williams, 21 Nathan Hirayama, 22 Bryn Keys.

Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Pittodrie, Aberdeen
Kick-off: 14:45 GMT
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Touch judges: Alan Lewis (Ireland), Steve Terheege (England)
Television match official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)
Assessor: Michel Lamoulie (France)