Glasgow Warriors prop Kevin Tkachuk and new signing DTH van der Merwe will start the first of a two-leg Rugby World Cup qualifier against the USA on Saturday (4 July).

With five games down in the 2009 season, it is fair to say coach Kieran Crowley has a firm handle on who his team is and what he thinks they are capable of heading into this weekend’s qualifier.

Crowley has had his team on the go since the first week of May when they met to prepare for a match against Ireland in Vancouver – followed by a test match against Wales in Toronto.

While those were both losses, the team improved immensely from the first week to the second week – and that had a lot to do with the opening win of the Churchill Cup against Georgia in Denver, Colorado – a 42-10 victory that propelled Canada two ratings points on the International Rugby Board rankings to 13th place.

“It’s time together and knowing the systems and those sorts of things,” explains Crowley on the team’s development over the past few weeks, “as well as coming together as far as how we want to play.

“Obviously there is a certain way we want to play against the States and we have been working hard on that in the (meeting) room as well as out on the field.”

“It’s also being able to adapt to different things each week and you have to change your lineout calls each week because of all the analysis that takes place.

One of the clear contenders to have cemented a starting spot has been DTH van der Merwe – the former wing who has found a new home in the centres – this weekend playing outside veteran Ryan Smith. Van der Merwe has been a polished performer – scoring two tries against Argentina and also getting a solo effort against Georgia.

Smith, in particular, is pleased to have a player of van der Merwe’s ability on his shoulder.
“DTH goes quite well,” said Smith. “He is fast and he is fit. It makes it easy for inside backs when you have guys that can run lines off of you like that.”

In the front row Canada welcomes back Kevin Tkachuk for his 48th Canada appearance – the Glasgow Warriors player back from a slight leg knock at the Churchill Cup. Hooker Pat Riordan will captain the side.

Canada team to play USA

15 James Pritchard (Bedford RFC)

14 Matt Evans (Hartpury College/Duncan, BC)
13 DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK)
12 Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish/Caledon, ON)
11 Justin Mensah-Coker (Moseley/Vancouver, BC)

10 Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
9 Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates/Victoria, BC)

1 Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK)
2 Pat Riordan (University of Victoria/Burnaby Lake, BC)
3 Dan Pletch (Niagara Thunder/London, ON)
4 Mike Burak (Unattached/Vancouver, BC)
5 Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens/Vancouver, BC)
6 Jebb Sinclair  (Castaway Wanderers/Frederiction, NB)
7 Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria/White Rock, BC)
8 Aaron Carpenter (Coventry RFC/Brantford, ON)

Replacements
16 Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians/London, ON)
17 Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria/St. Albert, AB)
18 Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC/St. John's, NFLD)
19 Stu Ault  (Mosely RFC/Perth, ON)
20 Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Saskatoon, SK)
21 Phil Mack (James Bay AA/Victoria, BC)
22 Ciaran Hearn  (Castaway Wanderers/Conception Bay, Nfld)

ALL THE BIG NAMES HAVE SIGNED… NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
Both Kevin Tkachuk and DTH van der Merwe have signed for The Biggest Team in Glasgow and now it’s your turn.

The 2009/10 Glasgow Warriors season ticket has more benefits than ever before. On top of a match-by-match saving of over £100 (based on an adult season ticket), the new deal includes free entry for you and a friend for the pre-season friendly against London Wasps, entry into the ticket ballot for RBS 6 Nations tickets, free admission to the away 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh in addition to two further Edinburgh fixtures at Murrayfield plus free entry into a Partick Thistle league game.

Season ticket holders aged 12 and under will also be entered into the exclusive prize draw to run out with the Warriors as the official mascot at a Glasgow home game.
Season ticket prices remain at just £30 for under 18s with concessions and students enjoying all the action for only £80. Adult season tickets are priced at £160.

Call the ticket hotline on 0844 800 3490 or click here to add your name to the list of signings for The Biggest Team in Glasgow.