Canadian men’s rugby sevens squad looks to keep rolling in Sydney

The Canadian men’s sevens squad looks to build on an impressive showing in Cape Town as it opens play Friday in Sydney, the third stop on the HSBC World Series.

Canada, seventh in the overall standings, starts Friday against No. 13 Scotland before facing No. 5 Australia and the 12th-place U.S. on Saturday in advance of the playoff rounds.

After a disappointing tie for 11th in Dubai, the Canadian men rebounded to finish fourth in Cape Town. On Day 1 in South Africa they upset Fiji, posting only their fourth win in 49 tries against the Pacific Islanders.

“It was the manner in which we won that was most impressive,” said Canada coach Damian McGrath.

The Canadians kept the ball away from the fleet-footed Fijians, completing some 55 passes to their 10.

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After dispatching France 35-7 in the quarterfinals, Canada’s run ended in close losses of 14-12 to Argentina in the semifinals and 19-17 to South Africa in the bronze medal match.

“We felt we should have won the game against Argentina but for our mistakes,” McGrath said.

The Canadians came close to beating the defending Series champion Blitzboks, who had won 40 of the 45 previous meetings between the two.

“That was a big boost for us to match South Africa and take them so close,” McGrath said. 

McGrath said his players were rusty in Dubai, with many not having played a competitive game for six months since London last May.

“It was more of a mental thing I would say than anything else. Just getting the body back and the mind ready to react and play,” McGrath said.

In contrast, Australia had some seven warmup tournaments prior to the season opener.

Canada does not have the squad or the funds to have that kind of preparation. As it is, since the loss of Own The Podium funding for fiscal 2017-18 they have been forced to leave for tournaments later than the women whose funding remains intact.

Liam Underwood remains out with a concussion. Connor Braid and Admir Cejvanovic are with the 15s team, which opens a two-game World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Saturday in Vancouver.

Phil Berna suffered a knee injury in Cape Town but has recovered enough to make the trip. Lucas Hammond has also recovered from a neck injury.

With other players away with the developmental Maple Leafs side, McGrath was lacking numbers in training prior to the trip

“We’ve almost had to wrap people in cotton wool with training,” the coach said. “We’re always mindful that one more injury could really set us back.”

Luke McCloskey and Jared Douglas return to the team after playing for the Maple Leafs in Dubai.

Former Canada under-20 player Jake Thiel, son of former Canadian international Jon Thiel, earns his first call-up to the senior sevens but will serve as the 13th man to start in Sydney. 

It’s an experienced Canadian team with the 12 players suiting up for Sydney having played in a combined 363 events on the world circuit under their belts.

Only England (405) and South Africa (371) have more experience.

After Sydney, the Canadians head for the World Series stop a week later in New Zealand.

Canada Roster

Phil Berna, UBC Thunderbirds, Vancouver; Jared Douglas, Abbotsford RFC, Abbotsford, B.C.; Justin Douglas, Abbotsford RFC, Abbotsford, B.C.; Mike Fuailefau, Castaway Wanderers, Victoria; Lucas Hammond, Toronto Nomads, Toronto; Nathan Hirayama, unattached, Richmond, B.C.; Harry Jones (capt.), Capilano RFC, North Vancouver; Isaac Kaay, UVIC Vikes, Kamloops, B.C.; Pat Kay, Castaway Wanderers, Duncan, B.C.; Luke McCloskey, Castaway Wanderers, Victoria; John Moonlight, James Bay AA, Pickering, Ont.; Matt Mullins, Queen’s University, Belleville, Ont.; Jake Thiel, Abbotsford RFC, Abbotsford, B.C.

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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press