Canada coach Mark Anscombe makes just one change for Russia rugby test

CALGARY – Canadian rugby coach Mark Anscombe has made just one change to his starting 15 for Saturday’s test match against Russia.

Calgary native Mozac Samson replaces the injured Brock Staller at inside centre. Veteran lock forward Jamie Cudmore continues as captain as Canada, ranked 18th in the world, looks to bounce back from a 26-22 loss to No. 11 Japan at Vancouver’s B.C. Place last Saturday in Anscombe first game as head coach.

Russia is ranked 19th.

“We have a big task ahead of us against Russia,” Anscombe said in a statement Thursday. “They’re big boys, have a good pack so we have our work cut out but we look forward to the challenge.”

There are a three changes to Canada’s bench with Jordan Wilson-Ross, Cam Pierce and Liam Underwood, released by sevens coach Liam Middleton, named as replacements.

Canada is 3-0-0 against Russia with the Canadian men winning 35-3 the last time they met, in November 20102 in Wales.

Canada also triumphed 34-18 in the 2011 Churchill Cup in England and 22-3 in 2009 in Burnaby, B.C.

Canada Roster

Djustice Sears-Duru, Glasgow Warriors (Scotland), Oakville, Ont.; Ray Barkwill, Sacramento, Niagara Falls, Ont.; Jake Ilnicki, San Diego, Williams Lake, B.C.; Jamie Cudmore (capt.), Oyonnax (France), Squamish, B.C.; Evan Olmstead, Newcastle Falcons (England), Vancouver; Kyle Baillie, Ohio, Summerside, P.E.I.; Lucas Rumball, Balmy Beach RFC, Toronto; Aaron Carpenter, Cornish Pirates (England), Brantford, Ont.; Gordon McRorie, Calgary Hornets, Calgary; Pat Parfrey, Swilers RFC, St. John’s; Taylor Paris, Agen (France), Barrie, Ont.; Nick Blevins, San Francisco, Calgary; Mozac Samson, Calgary Saints, Calgary; Dan Moor, Balmy Beach RFC, Toronto; Matt Evans, Cornish Pirates, Maple Bay, B.C.

Replacements

Eric Howard, Brantford Harlequins, Ottawa; Tom Dolezel, London St. George’s, London, Ont,; Matt Tierney, Section Paloise (France), Oakville, Ont.; Cam Pierce, Section Paloise (France), Vernon, B.C.; Alistair Clark, Bay Street Pigs, Oakville, Ont.; Jamie Mackenzie, UBCOB Ravens, Oakville, Ont; Liam Underwood, Balmy Beach RFC, Toronto; Jordan Wilson-Ross, James Bay AA, Alliston, Ont.