Young Harlequins back rower Louis Robinson is in line for his second Canadian cap as the Wolverines look to turn the tables on USA in the return Colonial Cup Fixture tomorrow.
The Tomahawks won 18-2 in storm-lashed Philadelphia at the end of August but the Canadians are quietly confident of upsetting their neighbours, for whom the fixture is a warm up before their 2013 World Cup Atlantic Group Qualifiers.
Newly-promoted Canada Head Coach Richard Moore has named a strong side for the clash at Fletcher's Fields in Markham, Ontario (kick off 3pm). "We have made a few changes to the team that played in Philadelphia. One reason is due to injuries, most notably to our captain Stephen Conlon who suffered a broken leg in the last game. That opens the door for others to step up and take their opportunity."
The Wolverines welcome back some who missed out on the first encounter including tough forward Matt Gleed and Danny Tupou, who had an outstanding game against Jamaica. Explosive runner Enoch Wamalwa earns his second cap. "Jamie Lester, myself and all the players can’t wait for Saturday to come and we are confident that Canada will record its first win against USA," Moore continued.
Leadership will have to be more of a collective effort without Conlon in the line up, but Canada boast plenty of experience in the side, including five times capped Matt Wyles, Tyler Allen and Henry Miers while replacement prop Rob Autogravia is on debut.
CRL President Cory Tukeli noted, "This might be the strongest line up Canada has ever put out. The match will be live on CBC and I'm cautiously optimistic we can come back and win the Colonial Cup in front of our own fans, it would be a massive boost for the country."
CANADA
Robin Legault (Toronto City Saints), Tony Felix (York Region Reds), Geoff Bylund (Toronto City Saints), Christian Miller (Scarborough Centurions), Danny Tupou (York Region Reds), Matt Wyles (Scarborough Centurions), Jamie Lester (Toronto City Saints), Cam Grace (Noosa Pirates), Chris Diamond (Niagara Bobcats), Louis Robinson (Harlequins RL), Enoch Wamalwa (Toronto City Saints), Matt Gleed (Scarborough Centurions), Trent Hansen (Toronto City Saints). Subs: Henry Miers (York Region Reds), Tyler Allen (Scarborough Centurions), Rob Autogavaia (York Region Reds), Dale Fitzgerald (York Region Reds)
Also in 19 man squad
Graham Dobbs (Scarborough Centurions) (back cover)
John Felix (York Region Reds) (forward cover)