THE SAME 22-man Canada squad that beat Tonga 25-20 in Pool A on Wednesday will line up against France in Napier tomorrow.
After their opening match success against the Pacific Islanders, Canada coach Kieran Crowley has retained the same matchday selection and says he is not overly concerned about the short turnaround between matches.
Crowley said that while it was tempting to make changes, he had confidence in the side he had chosen and that the Canadians had all completed a good recovery process.
Canada’s vice-captain Ander Monro was also confident the side would be in good condition to play France.
“You feel sore, you have the odd bump, but I’ve done it before and once you get out there and the adrenaline’s pumping you just sort of get on with it,” he said.
Other than some extra time spent on recovery, Crowley said that his approach would not differ from any other match.
“We take each game with the idea that you have to put just as much work in,” Crowley said.
“Whether it be Japan, Tonga or France, we’ll put just as much work in.”
As for any possible weak links in the French XV, Crowley said: “France, the All Blacks, teams like that, they don’t get to where they’re at by having weaknesses. We can only control what we bring on to the field.”
France flanker Imanol Harinordoquy is expecting another tough game against Canada and is wary of the threat they pose. “They know how to play, they’re not just content with defending. As soon as there’s a loose ball they like to counter-attack.”
After Canada, France take on hosts New Zealand on September 24th in a mouthwatering clash before rounding off their Pool A campaign against Tonga the following week.