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Canada will play their final match at the World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament in Montevideo on Sunday against Hong Kong, with the winner finishing in 7th and the loser condemned to the basement. It’s a match between two sides without a win following the three-match pool stage. For Hong Kong this might have been expected. For Canada, however, the results have been disappointing. Sunday represents one last chance to escape with a win and avoid the dreaded Wooden Spoon.
Head coach Jeff Williams has made three changes to his starting team, one enforced. James O’Neill is recalled on the flank at the expense of Lachlan Currie, with Jamie McNaughton shifting to the blindside to accommodate the Albertan openside. Josh Thiel returns at inside centre with Niko Clironomos swapped to the bench, and Will McDougall-Percillier gets his first start of the competition at scrumhalf in place of the suspended Fraser Hurst, the latter receiving a red card against Chile for foul play.
On the bench Jack McRogers will cover hooker with Dewald Kotze left out and Thomas Davidson providing utility value. Versatile Shawnigan Lake back Evan Norris makes his first appearance in the match day squad taking up the vacancy left by McDougall-Percillier’s promotion.
Kickoff is set for 10am local time, 9am Eastern. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.
CANADA
1 Connor Sampson, 2 Steven Ng, 3 Cole Keith, 4 Liam Doll, 5 Matt Beukeboom, 6 Jamie McNaughton, 7 James O’Neill, 8 Jake Thiel, 9 Will McDougall-Percillier, 10 Will Kelly, 11 Cole Davis, 12 Josh Thiel, 13 George Barton (capt.), 14 Anton Ngongo, 15 Aidan McMullan
Replacements: 16 Jack McRogers, 17 Liam Murray, 18 Nick Frost, 19 Thomas Davidson, 20 Evan Norris, 21 Brennig Prevost, 22 Niko Clironomos
