South Africa landed in North America on Wednesday as they launch their 2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign, with a warm up match against high-flying Canada in Toronto on Sunday. The Wolverines, now ranked 21 in the world following a strong set of recent results, will provide the Rhinos with a stern test at their home ground, Fletcher’s Field, where they are unbeaten this season. If Canada win they will have defeated all three teams taking part in the Atlantic Qualifiers in Philadelphia later in the month, having beaten Jamaica in July and America in September.
The 18-16 victory over the Tomahawks was Canada’s best performance yet after playing in their first international since reforming a little over a year ago. Canada head coach Richie Moore commented: “At times [this year] we looked like a classy rugby league team. We were hungry on defence and showed glimpses of brilliance on attack. We know we need to improve some more [against South Africa]. We are continually striving to be the best we can be and I know the lads are ambitious at what they can achieve. We have no idea how good South Africa are, but this is their world cup squad so I think this will be our toughest challenge”.
The 25th ranked South Africans have been hardened following matches with BARLA touring teams and over the past few weeks have been put through their paces by former Wales Rugby League performance director Andy Lindley. Captain Andre Loader is pleased with the squad's progress: "We've had some practice sessions and the team is pulling together nicely. We understand the importance of this tour, especially for what it means for rugby league in South Africa. We're confident and grateful for this opportunity to represent our country."
Vice-captain Gerrie Slabber sounded a similar note: "The tour started great with the kit ceremony in South Africa. The team is hungry and eager to play and look forward to playing this match against Canada."
Canada’s Harlequins Under 20s prop Louis Robinson is suspended following a five-match ban playing for his club, while debuts are handed to Workington Town’s Ruairi McGoff and Niagara Bobcat’s Kale Hutchings. The Canada Wolverines face the South Africa Rhinos at Fletchers Field in Markham on October 9th with a 1pm kickoff.
Pictured: the 2011 South Africa Rhinos
CANADA
Robin Legault, Tony Felix, Geoff Bylund, Tyler Allen, Kale Hutchings, Matt Wyles, Jamie Lester, Cam Grace, Chris Diamond, Ruairi McGoff, Enoch Wamalwa, Henry Miers, Trent Hansen. Subs: Graham Dobbs, Christian Miller, Steve Lamb, Rob Autagavaia
SOUTH AFRICA
Christof Swanepoel, Rupert Wells, Henry du Toit, Hans du Plessis, Johan Fritz, Francois Greyvensteyn, Andre Loader (c), Christo Louw, Gerhard Slabber, Christo Joubert, Rudolf Prinsloo, Jonathon Soares, Stevie Meyer. Subs: Pieter van der Nest, Riaan Engelbrecht, Jean-Pierre Nel, Gerhard de Wet