Newfoundlander Michael McCarthy will once again be in the starting lineup as Canada plays its second game today at the 2019 World Rugby Junior World Trophy in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
It’s a must-win for the Canadians if they are to have any hope of winning the eight-team event and being promoted to the U20 World Cup in 2020.
Canada lost 26-25 to Tonga in its first game, but did achieve a bonus point for scoring four tries in the game and another bonus point for losing by less than 7 points.
McCarthy, a hooker out of the Swilers club in St. John’s, scored a try in that game.
A win against the Portuguese would help put Canada in position to get into playoff crossovers, but only if Portugal can beat Tonga in the last match of the round robin.
The Canadians also have to face Hong Kong in their final preliminary-round game on Wednesday.
