Canada make two changes for Wales match

Canada coach Kieran Crowley has made just two changes to his starting line-up for Friday’s Test against Wales here at the Millennium Stadium despite the team’s 55-0 thrashing by Ireland last weekend.

Both alterations are in the pack, where flanker Jebb Sinclair replaces Sean-Michael Stephen and lock Tyler Hotson comes in for Mike Burak, now on the bench instead.

“The defeat against Ireland hurt,” former All Black Crowley said.

“We were well beaten, and we are looking to make amends. We want to tick more boxes against Wales than we did against Ireland.”

Canada’s team features just four survivors from the team beaten 42-17 by Wales in Nantes during last year’s World Cup – full-back James Pritchard, outside-half Ander Monro, prop Jon Thiel and hooker Pat Riordan, who captains the side.

Wales have won nine of their 10 previous matches against Canada with the North Americans’ lone victory coming in 1993 in Cardiff courtesy of a 26-24 win secured by Gareth Rees’s late conversion.

Canada team to play Wales in Friday’s rugby union international here at the Millennium Stadium (1930GMT):

Replacements: Mike Pletch, Frank Walsh, Mike Burak, Sean Michael Stephen, Morgan Williams, Matt Evans, Dean van Camp

Sapa-AFP – Rugbyweek.com