Canada keep change to a minimum for opener

Coach Kieran Crowley has recalled centre Ryan Smith and scrum-half Ed Fairhurst for Canada’s Rugby World Cup opener against Tonga tomorrow.

Crowley made only two changes from the team which beat the United States 27-7 last month, sticking with the same starting line-up which lost 38-14 in a warm-up match against the Australian Barbarians two weeks ago. Crowley said his team has built continuity and has enough physical prowess to match the Tongan style of play.

“We’ve hopefully given them enough game time together so they’ll be right,” Crowley said. “We consider this is the best possible team to face Tonga.”

While Tonga opened their campaign with a 41-10 loss to New Zealand, tomorrow’s game will be Canada’s first in pool A, which also includes France and Japan.

Tonga: K Morath; F Vainikolo, S Piutau, A Fatafehi, W Helu; T Moa, T Palu; S Vahafolau, S Vaiomounga, F Maka (captain), T Lokotui, S Timani, K Pulu, E Taukafa, A Taumalolo. Subs: A Ma’asi, S Tonga’uiha, H Aulika, V Ma’afu, S Kalamafoni, V Iongi, A Taufa.

Canada: J Pritchard; C Hearn, DTH Van Der Merwe, R Smith, P Mackenzie; A Monro, E Fairhurst; A Carpenter, C O’Toole, A Kleeberger, J Cudmore, J Sinclair, J Marshall, P Riordan (capt); H Buydens. Subs: R Hamilton, S Franklin,T Hotson, N Dala, C Trainor, S White, M Evans.