Infamous Tea & Honey show
Our man dreaming of Maple Leaf glory is Morgan Williams.
Country: Canada
Best result: Quarter Finals
Odds: 2,500/1
Pool A: Canada / France / Japan / New Zealand / Tonga
Greatest moment? Not a lot to choose from here. Canada’s best result came in the 1991 World Cup. To get there they finished first in the American tournament, which qualified them into Pool D alongside France, Romania and Fiji. Canada finished second in the pool, advancing to the Quarter Finals where we suffered a respectable 13-29 defeat to New Zealand.
My personal favorite was a 26-23 win against Scotland in on June 15, 2002. The win over Scotland was the start of a streak of seven victories before losing to Wales. It’s my favorite because my British Columbia Rugby Hall of Fame uncle took me to the game.
We don't want to talk about it? A 70-0 loss to England is the worst result the Canadian side has suffered. However, the 2007 World Cup saw Canada not win a single game for the first time. Canada has qualified for every World Cup so far.
Where we'll be watching it in Shanghai? On the weekends I’ll be watching out at the Shanghai Rugby Football Club in Waigaoqiao. They’ve got a great rugby atmosphere out there. I’ll be at any one of the Big Bamboos for all the rest of the live matches.
Sing your hearts out for the lads? Our own anthem, O’ Canada - what else would we sing! Even Kiwi coach Kieran Crowley said he’ll sing it.
Biggest rivals? Our biggest rival would have to be the USA due to the frequency of matches and geography, but Canadian rugby fans get most excited for matches against UK sides.
Star Man? Daniel Tailleferrer Hauman van der Merwe has had some strong performances heading into the RWC.
One to watch? Flanker Chauncey O'Toole has impressed leading in the RWC.
Bad Boy? Jamie Cudmore. On the field and off he’s a wild man. Although his exploits off the field wouldn’t make the news in Canada, let’s just say I’ve made his acquaintance working in the bar industry.
Boy Blunder? Hate to say it but Captain Pat Riordan, unable to complete a line out recently had to replaced. Not what you want from your captain.
Heart Throb? Historically I’d have to go with my own namesake, Morgan Williams, former French Pro rugby player and Team Canada scrum-half. Based just on the number of Facebook request I get from young French girls who think I’m the other Morgan Williams.
So what are your chances? We’re in a pretty tough pool so it’s going to be unlikely we advance, but I doubt Canada’s side will get blanked in the win column again.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 9. Check out the official website here. From a competing nation and want to write your side's fanzone? Drop us an email at city@urbanatomy.com.
