The Canadians have their work cut out for them despite Joe Schmidt making 15 changes from the starting line-up that did for the All Blacks.
This evening, Ireland will still feature a starting XV that includes Cian Healy, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, Paddy Jackson and Keith Earls.
Canada may be ranked 18th in the world but their matchday squad still features a number of players that can cause Ireland troubles.
ROSTER: Canada's Men's Team is set to face @IrishRugby on Saturday at @AVIVAStadium to open 3 game November tour! https://t.co/72mZaf6LGT pic.twitter.com/oxI9hbM17U
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) November 10, 2016
We take a look at the danger-men on the Canadian roster.
DTH van der Merwe
Born: April 28, 1986, Worcester, South Africa
Age: 30
Major teams: Glasgow Warriors, Scarlets
Position: Wing
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Weight: 202 lb
Caps: 39
Daniel Tailliferre Hauman van der Merwe made his international debut for Canada, against Barbados in June 2006, scoring 10 points and winning the game. The former Glasgow Warriors winger is now with Scarlets and has scored exactly 100 points [20 tries] in his international career. Scored against Ireland in Canada’s World Cup 2015 defeat.
Aaron Carpenter
Born: January 9, 1983, Hamilton, Ontario
Age: 33
Major clubs: Plymouth, Cornish Pirates, London Welsh
Position: Back-row
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 240 lb
Caps: 74
Name-checked by Schmidt as a player that impressed him in last year’s World Cup. Made his international debut for Canada in May 2005 in a hard-fought win over the U.S.A. Carpenter has scored a total of 80 Test points in his career.
Ciaran Hearn
Born: December 30, 1985, St John’s, Newfoundland
Age: 30
Major teams: The Rock (Newfoundland), London Irish
Position: Fullback, Centre
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Weight: 220 lb
Caps: 50
Hearn made his debut against Ireland in November 2008 at Thomond Park. 36 points in his Test career. Has 12 try assists in his career, including his part in one of the tries of last year’s World Cup, from van der Merwe, against Italy. A powerful inside centre with super offloading ability, in the Jamie Roberts mould. Garry Ringrose will need to be on his game.
It will be no easy task for Canada but if these three men have decent games, they have a chance of pushing their hosts close.
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