2024 Romania tour preview
Canada’s men’s XV close out 2024 at Arcul de Triumf Stadium in Bucharest - named after the triumphal arch nearby.
Canada will conclude their 2024 season with two matches at Arcul de Triumf Stadium, located in Bucharest, Romania. The Maple Leaves will be looking to see out the season with at least one more victory, as they aim to turn their fortunes around in time for qualifying for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. If they don’t turn it around, Canada could have a long, long year, with 3 attempts to return to the biggest stage in rugby. How very apt that one of their autumnal fixtures could be a precurssor for that fight in 2025…
Canada vs Chile - Nov 9 - KO 06:00 (EST)
The last time Canada faced Chile, Los Condores not only secured their first victory against Canada, but eliminated them from qualifying for RWC 2023. In the 3 years since that fixture, Chile beat the USA to qualify for RWC 2023, made a big impression in the pool stage, and a number of their players now have contracts in Europe. And unlike the Canadians, the Chilean players actually want to play for their national team & coach!
Interestingly, Chile will not face the hosts this Autumn, as they are set to play the Netherlands in Amsterdam, and will have an uncapped match against Scotland A in Edinburgh, to close out their tour.
Chile have won 4 of the 5 fixtures they’ve played in 2024, losing only to Scotland in July. Their wins have come against much lower ranked opposition (Brazil, Paraguay, and Belgium,) with a decisive victory against an Argentina XV. Despite this, and the historical advantage going the way of Canada, Chile are still the favourites to take the win.
Canada vs Romania - Nov 16 - KO 11:00 (EST)
The Oaks have not played any matches since their loss to Canada in Ottawa this summer, so there’s not much to add since the Ottawa Series preview, but are set for a 3 match series at home this Autumn. After Canada vx Chile match, Romania will host Tonga, as they look for a fourth victory in 2024. Following their match with Canada, Romania will face Uruguay to conclude their 2024 season.
The result of the Tonga match will probably determine the outcome of their match against Canada - Canada lost to Tonga 30-17 in the 5th place playoff for the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup, so if the Romanians can concede by fewer than 12 against the Tongans, they will be set to take the favourites tag for their match against Canada.
That said, USA failed to best the Oaks, while Canada succeeded. If Canada can claim another victory against Romania, it’ll be a major scalp in an otherwise dismal year for the Maple Leaves.