Is Canada still a minnow?

Well done, Canada! In addition to Italy A, Canada have also decisively beaten Russia. The key test is coming up, v. Saxons. Tough ask, but I expect Canada to play them strongly. Excellent outings in run-up to RWC, and I don't suppose their pool will taking them lightly at all.

Mark L.

@BLM: Having to manage a disappointing start and having enough in the tank, physically and mentally, to control the last 15 minutes is one of the signs of a mature (or at least maturing team). 5 tries is anyone's idea of a good outing. ML

No, any side that beats the Ruskies at any sport are not minnows to me. Joking aside I confess I don't know much about Canadian rugby other than when you update us on this forum.

I do know All Black teams use to visit and play one game each against Canada and the USA for many decades starting from the early 1950's as part of their tours to the UK.

So really in a way, Canada has been exposed to top international sides e.g AB's, Boks, Wallabies, and 5 nations teams decades before Argentina, Italy, Russia etc, ever had national sides.

So why are they not ahead of many of these other teams in terms of success ?

In canada, we count ourselves as a middle of the pick sort of team. We still are not in the big six (a north american term for New Zealand, South Africa, England, Australia, Wales and France), but we believe we can compete evenly with teams such as Scotland, Italy, Argentina or Japan any day of the week.

Canada has shown steady improvement for a while, and though i keep boasting that we'll upset France in the RWC, there is still a lot of work to be done.

For Americans, it would be quite a lop-sided match if CAnada played you, so keep that in mind if americans make their usual arrogant comments.

I have a skewed view, being a NZer, however, Canada came down here a few years ago and gave it a red hot go, for this they have my respect. I can still see that gangly Mike Pike bugger loping in for a 70 odd metre try, a real pity he decided to play silly football in Sydney!

Canada are, I guess a middle of the pack team as you say BLM, when you consider sides like Georgia and Romania as minnows, I guess Canada are.. what eats minnows?

i;m not sure i canada can take Saxins all the way in the final then maybe they shouldn't be classed as minnows - certainly performing better than USA anyway! i think this question really can't be answered until after the world cup if i'm being honest good luck against us in the churchill cup final though!

I think that your players lack the flair and instinctive knowledge to 'read' a game of rugby and to use space. I think that Canada has a difficult pool at the World Cup (Japan, Tonga, France, NZ) but good luck

Canada are progressing but other minnows like the pacific nations are still far off

we can't compete with the likes the australia or new zealand but we're one of the best secondary nations.