Without its inspirational leader and most experienced player, Al Charron, as well as its fiery flanker Dan Baugh, Canada's national rugby team has filled the gaps, stiffened its resolve, and selected a tried and proven team for Saturday's game against Wales in Cardiff.

"We should really be selecting a team of 17 men to replace Charron," chuckles Canada coach David Clark. "But we'll just have to get on with it without him." The loss of Charron and his 72-caps worth of experience, back in Canada with his family dealing with the death of his father, is a set back for Canada.

Charron held a link to Canada's last win over Wales in 1993, as it was he who scored the tying try which allowed Gareth Rees to kick the winning conversion in that memorable 26-24 win. The loss of tough tackling flanker Dan Baugh, unavailable because of insurance difficulties, is also a serious blow but Canada has adequate replacements.

Perpignan #8 Philip Murphy comes into the side to take Charron's spot and is a player who can rise to the occasion. With fourteen caps and five tries for his country, he has scored against Ireland and in last June's historic win over Scotland, much is expected of him on Saturday.

Flanker Adam van Staveren replaces Baugh. In recent games he has proven to be a dynamic, busy and forceful player. With nine caps, he played an important role in Canada's winning the America's zone World Cup qualifiers playing impressively against the USA in Toronto and on the South America leg of the tournament.

Canada will relish having the services of Stade Francais lock Mike James and Saracen scrum-half Morgan Williams, who because of professional obligations couldn't play on Canada's final two games of the summer in South America. The much-respected James is at the top of his game and has captained his Paris-based club in the absence of French captain Fabien Galthie. William's return to Millennium will bring him special memories as it was there in 1999 that he played his second Test.

"This Test will be a measure of where we are. It is fine to play Wales twice in twelve months, but we only want to beat them once and you can guess for yourself what game that is," said Clark. After Saturday's game, Canada next plays Wales in the opening match of the 2003 World Cup in Australia, but for now, all eyes are on Millennium.

Canada:
1. Rod Snow 2. Pat Dunkley (Capt) 3. Jon Thiel 4. John Tait Barrie 5. Mike James 6. Ryan Banks 7. Adam van Staveren 8. Philip Murphy 9. Morgan Williams 10. Jared Barker 11. Fred Asselin 12. John Cannon 13. Nik Witkowski 14. Sean Fauth 15. Winston Stanley

Reserves: 16. Mark Lawson 17. Kevin Tkachuk 18. Jamie Cudmore 19. Leif Carlson 20. Ed Fairhurst 21. Bob Ross Victoria 22. Marco Di Girolamo