We got some great replies to our last blog entry concerning Canada's World Cup roster (See "Who Just Might Wear Red & White"). Since then, Canada has put out its 50 man World Cup long list. As it happens, all 30 names from our mock World Cup roster featured, with the exception of prop Kevin Tkachuk; one of Canada's most experienced internationals.
Coach Kieran Crowley's decision regarding the Glasgow Warriors veteran got us thinking; if a consistent professional like Tkachuk is no longer in Canada's top 50, then what does that say about this country's depth?
As it turns out, Tkachuk is not the only veteran professional not to have cracked the Canada long list. So, here is our best attempt at picking a fifteen-man roster made up of players excluded from Canada's World Cup plans. Call it our Pro Report Select XV.
Pro Report Selects:
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors)
2. Dan Pletch (Ontario Blues)
3. Rod Snow (The Rock)
4. Luc Cudmore (B.C.)
5. Josh Jackson (Stade Montois)
6. Mark Macsween (Ontario Blues)
7. Dustin Dobravksy (Prairie Wolf Pack)
8. Seb Pearson (Coventry)
9. Phil Mack (c) (B.C.)
10. Steve Piatek (Ontario Blues)
11. Rob Wilson (The Rock)
12. David Spicer (B.C.)
13. Ryan Tomlinson (Ontario Blues)
14. Marcus Mitchell (Ontario Blues)
15. Dan West (Ontario Blues)
The front-row of this squad is heavy with experience, with all three, including Dan Pletch (who has been covering hooker for Ontario), having played overseas and in previous World Cups. The second row is light on power, but heavy on versatility and skill, with both Josh Jackson and Luc Cudmore having honed their talents in the French leagues. Despite the presence of a lighter second-row, this team's set-piece would seem able to provide a solid platform when required.
Coach Crowley is indeed spoiled for choice in the back-row; however, we are pleased with the speed and aggressiveness provided by a promising group, anchored by Coventry's Seb Pearson at #8.
The half-back pairing is smaller, as is the majority of the backline, but Canadian Sevens Captain Phil Mack has proven numerous times that he is capable of scoring tries at the international level. His partner, Steve Piatek would be able to work effectively with B.C.'s David Spicer to control the areas in which any game is played. Spicer's elite experience and ability to kick off either foot, would be a considerable asset to any squad.
With names like Tomlinson, Mitchell, West and Wilson in the outside channels, this side has pace and elusiveness, if not an abundance of size.
In the end, this group would probably fall short of being able to match Canada's World Cup squad in a head on contest; however, the mere thought that Canada has fifteen additional players capable of making significant contributions to its World Cup cause is something which should fill its program with a sense of pride. Even 65 names into the Canadian depth chart, this nation's coaches can find talent that would not look out of place on the international stage.
Our country is now producing elite athletes at a speed that makes the contests for Canada's starting jerseys truly fierce. This is a new dynamic in Canadian rugby, and an extremely welcome one.
Until next time,
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Check out our blog at: http://theproreport.blogspot.com/
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