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Canada sets sights high

Written by Ramaz Mitaishvili
Monday, 03 September 2007
Canadian coach Ric Suggitt is confident his team has the ability to reach the quarter-finals of the IRB Rugby World Cup. Canada meet Wales, Fiji, Japan and Australia in Pool B, and after a training session on Monday, Suggitt said: "Our objective is to win three group games and make the quarter-finals our benchmark." Two members of the Canadian pack, locks Jamie Cudmore and Mike James, both ply their trade in France, with Clermont-Auvergne and Stade Francais respectively, and the Canucks are certain to field a combative pack, as they have done in every world cup since its inception in 1987. But Suggitt was quick to stress it would not all be about the forwards this time. "Our main strength is our team. It is all about forwards and backs and we complement each other well," he said. ''I know Canadian rugby has always been known for its aggressive forwards, but I am looking for the identity of the team to be driven by the players this time." Canada played four warm-up matches in the run-up to RWC 2007, including a 42-12 victory over Portugal in Ottowa, and Suggitt believes the rich blend of youth and experience in the squad will serve them well. "We now have a full coaching structure in place. We have made huge strides in the last few years and it is important that we feel we can compete on equal terms with the top teams." Canada last reached the quarter-finals in 1991. "We are under no pressure to emulate that team," Suggitt said. "Most of us were not around then and, besides, it's a different game now." Canada kick-off their campaign against Wales in Nantes on Sunday. !