Thursday, October 18, 2012 - Submitted by RC Communications
Coaches and captains met with the media for the final time on Thursday, as all four teams look to finish the IRB Americas Rugby Championship with a victory.
For the Canadians and the Argentinians, a win on Saturday would mean they would leave Langford as the ARC champions. Both teams will hit the pitch as the second part of the double header at Westhills Stadium in Langford, BC, kicking off at 7:30pm.
“We’re looking forward to the weekend. It’s been a great tournament, the crowds have been great and we are looking forward to that support this Saturday,” said Kieran Crowley, Head Coach of Canada. “I understand it is close to a sell out so I think it is going to be a massive occasion for the city.”
“I think its been great that this tournament has been moved here because it has showcased the sport to a lot of people who didn’t really think about it that much – and I would like to thank the International Rugby Board.”
For first year Canadian squad member Patrick Parfrey – it is a pretty simple equation taking on the Argentinians.
“We’ve got to be on top of our game and can’t make many mistakes or they will punish us for it,” said the young Newfoundand back.
The Canadian squad has a tough challenge ahead of them though, as to take home the championship they have to get past the two time defending champions from Argentina.
Argentina has played a solid tournament so far, defeating the USA in their opening match and, after a tough first half, grabbing a victory from Uruguay on Tuesday. But as much as the match will be a challenge for Canada, Argentina will be facing a Canadian squad who has performed well in front of their home fans and also came away with wins against the USA and Uruguay.
“We will take advantage of this opportunity and if we make mistakes we will learn from it to learn from it, to make the most from this tournament,” said Daniel Hourcade, coach of Argentina through an interpreter. He then went on to say how much he and the team were enjoying its stay in Victoria – and how positive this tournament being in Canada has been.
Hourcade’s young Captain – Benjamin Macome understands the size of the challenge ahead for his side.”
“We know we have a very tough match this Saturday,” said Macome. “We are going to have to play our best rugby if we are going to win.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to continue to see all our young players in a tough tournament.”
With both Canada and Argentina coming into the tournament’s final game with identical records of 2-0, fans will be in for a game full of exciting action and one of these teams will walk away with the ARC crown.
The USA and Uruguay will play the first match of the night at 5:30pm, and both teams are looking to make the most out of the final game of this tournament.
With both clubs coming into the match with 0-2 records, both teams losing to Argentina and Canada over the first two days of the tournament, each team will be able to use this game as a great development opportunity, as both teams showed many bright spots throughout the past six days.
“With Uruguay ahead of us – they are always very aggressive to the ball and they will punish you with their foot,” offered Mike Tolkin, coach of USA. “They are very good counter attackers.
“They are very motivated coming into this game as well. They are certainly seeking a win.”
“We don’t get a lot of opportunity for our young players to play in pressure games so for the coaching staff to build a depth chart and to see how these guys are as people and players, and to play against Uruguay, Argentina and Canada – just a real good experience.”
Cam Dolan – Captain of the USA team – entered the press conference sporting a sinister looking knee brace – but his mood is buoyant ahead of the play-off for third place.
“As far as the game is concerned – we have had a couple of rough matches since last Friday – but we will fix a few mistakes we have made and hopefully we can have a better outcome.
“This tournament is good for young players – develop them as internationals and build the depth for the men’s side,” he said.
“Our game against the USA will be important for us as we are coming off two games with a lot of injuries,” said Uruguayan coach Pablo Lamoine. “The injuries have been very hard for us as a team.”
“We recognize that the US team is much stronger team technically and physically but we will do our best to put up a brave game this Saturday.”
“They will do their best to use this game to advance their skills in order to be at a higher level,” explained captain of Uruguay Arturo Avalo.
Canada, Argentina, the USA and Uruguay will have one more day before of preparations for the tournament’s final matches. Each day of the tournament has brought more and more excitement to the Langford and Victoria communities and Saturday will be no exception. Fans should be geared up for back to back games of action as the IRB Americas Rugby Championship comes to a close on it’s final day
For fans who are still looking to buy tickets for the final day of the IRB Americas Rugby Championship can purchase them online at tickets.rugbycanada.ca until October 19th or at the front gate on game day, at Spank It Sports on Cloverdale Ave and to the City of Langford City Hall on the 2nd floor.
For fans who cannot make it out to Langford but don’t want to miss any of the action, all of the matches will be streamed online at www.sportsca
