Canada team to play USA in Pacific Nations Cup clash

Head Coach Kingsley Jones has named the Canada team to take on USA at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles as they look to rebound after an opening round loss to Japan.

Canada are looking to keep their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup title hopes alive with a bounce back win to help with seeding heading into the finals series in Japan.

A crucial bonus point secured in last week's loss to Japan may prove pivotal, as they were able to log four tries thanks to a second half resurgence.

The starting forward pack this week is unchanged, with captain Lucas Rumball once again leading the side from the back of the scrum at No 8.

There is just two tweaks to the backline with last week's right winger Andrew Coe moving to fullback, while Takoda McMullin starts in the No 14 jersey. Last week's starting fullback Cooper Coats drops to the bench in the 23 jersey.

“We've spoken a lot about how we need and want to start our matches better,” said Head Coach Kingsley Jones.

“Saturday's match against the United States is not just another opportunity for us to measure ourselves against a good team, but an important contest that will dictate our position heading into the play-offs in Japan.

"This type of high stakes match will be good preparation for next year, when we will face the United States in the Pacific Nations Cup in a match that will help determine direct Rugby World Cup qualification.”

Canada men's team to play United States:

1. Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Earl Marriott Secondary / Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Old Glory DC

2. Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks

3. Conor Young (Yamba , AUS) – Southern Districts Rugby Club / RFC LA

4. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) - Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Cottesloe Rugby Club

5. Kaden Duguid (Edmonton, AB) - Nor'Westers Athletic Association / Vancouver Highlanders

6. Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons RFC / Chicago Hounds

7. Ethan Fryer (Issaquah, USA) – New England Free Jacks

8. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / Chicago Hounds

9. Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Chicago Hounds

10. Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) – Dungannon RFC

11. Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) – Dallas Jackals

12. Talon McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Vancouver Highlanders

13. Ben LeSage (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Canucks / New England Free Jacks

14. Takoda McMullin (White Rock, BC) - University of British Columbia / Vancouver Highlanders

15. Andrew Coe (Markham, ON) - RFC LA

FINISHERS

16. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Dallas Jackals

17. Djustice Sears-Duru (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / San Diego Legion

18. Cole Keith (Apohaqui, NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks

19. James Stockwood (Bowmanville, ON) – Vikings RFC / Pacific Pride

20. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride

21. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) - Strathcona Druids RFC / Dallas Jackals

22. Mark Balaski ( Castlebar, IRE) – Castlebar RFC / Pacific Pride

23. Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) - Halifax Tars