NEWS REPORT

At the Pan American rugby championships in Canada, the host nation has announced their starting lineup that will take to the field against the USA this Saturday as the second half of an international rugby double-header that has the Argentineans taking on their neighbours across the River Plate, Uruguay.

Coach David Clark has opted for a blend of extreme youth and veterans in some key positions as they attempt to break the American win streak over Canada at two.

A raft of injuries and players unavailable because of professional commitments has caused Clark to reach to his youthful contingent of talent from the Pacific Pride program in Victoria, BC to fill what is at full strength, a formidable squad.

Fully 10 former or present players from what is dubbed the under-23 program for Canada are being brought in for the important fixture against the Eagles, which is doubling as the qualifier for the Pacific Rim tournament being held in Tokyo this July.

The Canadian front row is impressive with John Thiel ( Sale Sharks) and Rod Snow the two props, with the return of Pat Dunkley at hooker to full international duty following a serious bout of the 'flesh eating disease' last July.

In the second row Nova Scotia native Ed Knaggs, returns to international action after getting 7 caps in 2000. He replaces Al Charron who will return to Canada following a relegation match for his French club Pau who take on Grenobles to determine an 8th place finisher in Division one. Cardiff's John Tait makes up the other half of the engine room, coming in for his 30th cap, and recovering from a recent neck injury.

In the back row Mike Schmid has returned to the international fold for the first time in almost two years to take up the number 8 spot. Schmid was captain for the beleaguered Rotherham squad that was in the Zurich Premiership for a cup of coffee this past season before taking last place and automatic relegation to the National One in England.

He joins flankers Ryan Banks and Gregor Dixon in what should be a mobile and defensively minded trio.

At scum-half the Pride's Ed Fairhurst gets his first full international cap, though he has some experience at 7's on the IRB world circuit. Bedford's Scott Stewart reclaims they fly-half position which he played at last season to great effect against Ireland in a 27-27 draw. He makes the move from fullback because of a season ending injury to Jared Barker.

Mark Irvine (Bayside) and John Cannon (Pacific Pride) make up the pairing in the centres. Both have extensive 7's experience and Cannon had enough impact in a mid-week match against Italy A last November to be named to the reserves bench for Canada's win over the Azurri.

On the wings the diminutive, but speedy Calgary native Sean Fauth takes up his normal perch on the right wing in his 9th appearance for Canada, with Nik Witkowski (Perpignan) taking the opposite side for the 11th time.

At fullback the multi-talented Jeff Williams, brother to absent Morgan Williams (playing in the European Cup final against Leicester Tigers) will bring an offensive minded flair to the number 15 spot, looking to come into the line with his exciting pace and kick and chase abilities.

Canada Squad vs. USA

Rod Snow (Newport), Pat Dunkley (James Bay), John Thiel (Sale), Ed Knaggs (Castaway-Wanderers), John Tait (Cardiff), Ryan Banks (Burnaby), Gregor Dixon*Captain (Aurillac), Mike Schmid (Rotherham), Ed Fairhurst (Pacific Pride) Scott Stewart (Bedford), Sean Fauth (Castaway-Wanderers), Mark Irvine (Bayside), John Cannon (Pacific Pride), Nik Witkowski (Perpignan), Jeff Williams (University of Victoria)

Replacements: Kevin Wirachowski (UBC Old Boys), Duane Major (Burnside, NZ), Dale Burleigh (Toronto Irish) Ron Johnstone (Capilanos), Marco DiGirolomo (Pacific Pride/Toronto Barbarians), Bob Ross (James Bay), Kyle Nichols (Balmy Beach)