PREVIEW – Scotland v Canada will be a big game for Rugby Canada. Scotland is ranked fifth in the world while Canada is ranked 21st in the world according to World Rugby. While Canada is the heavy underdog in this situation, there is no pressure in this game against Scotland, as they look to pull a shock upset on Saturday.
Scotland v Canada at TD Place Stadium on Saturday
Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada have revealed their roster ahead of Saturday’s game. Lucas Rumball, who currently plays for the Chicago Hounds, was named as captain of the national team. When he reached 50 caps for his country last year, this is what the Rugby Canada men’s head coach, Kingsley Jones, said about him (Source: Rugby Canada):
“What a great achievement this is for Lucas,” said Canada coach Kingsley Jones. “His commitment to Canadian rugby is immense, and he’s been a fantastic leader for both Canada and the Toronto Arrows, leading with his behaviour and by example.”
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Rumball has been a mainstay of the national team since his first game against Uruguay on February 6, 2016. There is also long-time former Toronto Arrow, Mitch Richardson and now Dallas Jackals centre on the team. He has a variety of ways to hurt the opposition with his skill set and will be a player to watch with Rugby Canada. 11 of the 23 players listed comes from MLR.
Scottish Rugby
Photo Credit: Scottish Rugby X Account on July 3, 2024
There are ten players who are in line to make their debut for Scotland in Canada’s capital city on Saturday. This is also a team that Canada should feel fortunate to go up against. The Scots finished the 2024 Six Nations tournament with two wins and three losses. However, one of those wins came up against England (the other being Wales) and lost narrowly in their other three games against Ireland, France, and Italy.
One player to look at is Stafford McDowall, who is a centre for the United Rugby Championship club, Glasgow Warriors. He is one of the co-captains of the team and is making likely just his third appearance for his national team. The other co-captain is Luke Crosbie, who is currently playing as a flanker for Edinburgh Rugby.
Recently, Crosbie reached 100 games played for Edinburgh Rugby. This is what Scottish Rugby head coach, Sean Everitt, said about him (Source: Edinburgh Rugby):
Head-To-Head and How To Watch The Game
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Looking at the head-to-head matchups, Canada has lost all four games against Scotland since 2008 including the 7’s game on July 26, 2014. Their last game against each other was on June 9, 2018, when Scotland beat Canada by a scoreline of 48-10.
Fans can watch the game nationally on TSN2 at 5:00PM ET at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario.
Photo Credit: Rugby Canada
