Jones makes three changes to face Argentina XV

21-cap hooker Benoit Piffero joins the starting front row alongside last weekend’s prop pairing of Hubert Buydens and Cole Keith. Mike Sheppard has returned to bolster the Toronto Arrow’s forward pack for their match this Saturday’s Major League Rugby game against Glendale, giving Conor Keys a chance to start beside Kyle Baillie in the second row for Canada.
 
Canada’s backrow remains untouched from last Friday’s comprehensive 56-0 win over Chile, with Captain Lucas Rumball on the flank with Justin Blanchet and Dustin Dobravsky at number eight.
 
The lone change to Canada’s backline sees veteran Gordon McRorie replace Pat Parfrey at flyhalf. The 30-year-old sits fourth all-time on Canada’s points scoring table with 265 test points in his six-year career.
 
Canada’s centre pairing of Ciaran Hearn and Nick Blevins boasts a combined total of 124 international test caps, giving Jones an experienced midfield. Wingers Andrew Coe and Kainoa Lloyd, who combined for five tries against Chile, continue their string of starts with Theo Sauder returning at fullback.
 
Only two changes to Canada’s bench as newcomer Jordan Olsen – who qualifies for Canada through his Winnipeg-based family – could see his first appearance off the bench at hooker. Parksville, BC’s Josh Larsen also returns to the roster after scoring a try last weekend for Austin Elite against San Diego.
 
While Friday’s game is not considered a test match – due to Argentina XV being a development squad, compared to Los Pumas being their number one side – it provides Jones’ outfit with high quality opposition.

Kick off on Friday is 10pm ET/7pm PT and you can watch LIVE on TSN 5.
 
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Less than 175 tickets remain for Friday’s game at Westhills Stadium; Rugby Canada is encouraging fans to purchase online to avoid missing out! Full information: https://rugby.ca/en/tickets 
 
Canada Roster:
 
1. Hubert Buydens – (NOLA Gold) Saskatoon, SK
2. Benoit Piffero – (Blagnac Sporting Club) Montreal, QC
3. Cole Keith – (Toronto Arrows) Sussex, NB
4. Conor Keys – (Rotherham Titans) Stittsville, ON
5. Kyle Baillie – (NOLA Gold) Summerside, PEI
6. Justin Blanchet – (Bedford Blues) Montreal, QC
7. Lucas Rumball – Captain(Toronto Arrows) Mississauga, ON
8. Dustin Dobravsky – (Castaway Wanderers) Hanover, Germany
9. Jamie Mackenzie – (Toronto Arrows) Oakville, ON
10. Gordon McRorie – (Calgary Hornets) Calgary, AB
11. Kainoa Lloyd – (Toronto Arrows) Mississauga, ON
12. Ciaran Hearn – (London Irish) Conception Bay South, NL
13. Nick Blevins – (Calgary Hornets) Calgary, AB
14. Andrew Coe – (Markham Irish) Toronto, ON
15. Theo Sauder – (Toronto Arrows) Vancouver, BC
16. Jordan Olsen – (Northland) Whangarei, NZ
17. Noah Barker – (Glendale Raptors) Courtenay, BC
18. Ryan Kotlewski – (Westshore RFC) Calgary, AB
19. Josh Larsen – (Austin Elite) Parksville, BC
20. Nakai Penny – (Seattle Seawolves) Penticton, BC
21. Will Percillier – (Stade Francais) Mill Bay, BC
22. Pat Parfrey – (Unattached) St. John’s, NL
23. Doug Fraser – (Austin Elite) Ladysmith, BC
 
2019 ARC Schedule:
 
February 2
Canada 17 - 20 Uruguay
 
February 9
Canada 10 - 18 Brazil
 
February 22
Canada 56 – 0 Chile
 
Canada vs. Argentina XV
March 1
Westhills Stadium
Langford, BC
Kick-off: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Broadcast:
Live on TSN 5
 
Canada vs. USA
March 8
Starfire Sports
Seattle, USA
Kick-off: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Broadcast:
Live on www.tsn.ca/TSNApp
Tape delay 11pm ET/8pm PT on TSN 2