Glasgow Warriors prop Kevin Tkachuk has been named in the starting XV to face Canada’s oldest international rugby rival Japan. The two countries first played in 1932 in Tokyo, but will meet for the 19th time in Sendai, Japan on Sunday, the first of two test matches to be played on the current tour to Asia. Coach Kieran Crowley has opted for experience throughout the twenty-two man squad - as no new caps were named to the team. Led by hooker Pat Riordan, who wins his 25th cap, the forwards unit includes a rugged front row and mobile back row to counter the speed that is likely on offer in John Kirwan's Japanese side.

Tkachuk gets his 51st test appearance, playing at looshead prop, and will work with Riordan and tighthead prop Dan Pletch, who makes his 23rd appearance.

Canada…

1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK)
2. Pat Riordan Captain (U Vic Vikes/Burnaby, BC)
3. Dan Pletch (Oakville Crusaders/Lucan, ON)
4. Josh Jackson (Bordeaux Begles/Lantzville, BC)
5. Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion/Vancouver, BC)
6. Chauncey O'Toole (Castaway Wanderers/Belleisle, NB)
7. Adam Kleeberger (Rotherham Titans/White Rock, BC)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Coventry RFC/Brantford, ON)
9. Phil Mack (UVic Vikes/Victoria, BC)
10. Ander Monro (Castaway Wanderers/Victoria, BC)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Moseley UK/Vancouver, BC)
12. Bryn Keys (Moseley/Abbotsford, BC)
13. Matt Evans (Hartpury College, Duncan, BC)
14. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)/Conception Bay, NFLD)
15. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC/Sydney, AUS)

Replacements
16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians/Lucan, ON)
17. Doug Wooldridge (Cowichan RFC/Lindsay, ON)
18. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers/Fredericton, NB)
19. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Saskatoon, SK)
20. Sean White (James Bay AA/Victoria, BC)
21. Sean Duke (UVic Vikes/Vancouver, BC)
22. Nathan Hirayama (UVic Vikes/Vancouver, BC)