Italy is ranked just one spot above Canada by the International Rugby Board, but in reality the two teams are worlds apart.
Italy is a fully professional squad, while Canada's domestic-based players are all amateur. The Italians play tough top-10 opposition annually in the Six Nations tournament, even if they rarely win. And Italy seems to have fewer problems freeing up its top players from European clubs for international duty.
The 12th-ranked Italians will field three players from French powerhouse Stade Francais, when they host No. 13 Canada on Saturday in Fontanafredda, about 100 kilometres north of Venice. Canada's Stade Francais player, veteran lock Mike James, had to beg off this tour because of club commitments.
Hard-nosed Canadian forwards Colin Yukes and Jamie Cudmore were also unable to join the tour because of their European club duties.
Add to that the fact that the Italian are a big, physical side and Saturday's game all makes for a massive ask for the Canadians, a challenge that is not reflected in the world rankings.
``I actually rate them as one of the top forward packs in the Six Nations right now. Their front row is unbelievable,'' Canadian coach Ric Suggitt, who has watched hours of game tape of the Italians in action, said Thursday from the Canadian team hotel.
``They've got a good halfback pairing and all their games last year in the Six Nations, they were right into it until the last 20 minutes. I think they didn't win some of those games because they're just not used to winning.
``Once the Italians hit that curve, I think they'll be the same as the Argies (Argentina). They ran the Argies close last week, a seven-point difference (in a 23-16 loss). Australia the week before, a seven-point difference (in a 25-18 loss).
``So I think they're a much improved nation and I think they'll surprise some people at the World Cup.''
Canadian rugby fans may remember the hard-hitting contest between the two sides at the 2003 World Cup in Australia. Italy won 19-14 but Canada sent one Italian player to hospital and two more out of the game for treatment.
Suggitt has made six changes to the side that was beaten 61-26 by No. 9 Wales last week.
Lock Mike Burak has had to return to his French club side in Pau while winger James Pritchard was given leave to go to Australia where he is best man in a wedding.
Centre David Spicer and No. 8 Sean-Michael Stephen were injured against Wales.
Dan Pletch comes in for Kevin Tkachuk at prop and Pat Riordan takes over for Mark Lawson at hooker. Oliver Atkinson fills in at second row for Burak while Aaron Carpenter replaces the injured Stephen.
Derek Daypuck moves from fly half to centre for the injured Spicer with Ander Monro coming in at No. 10. Justin Mensah-Coker starts at wing for the absent Pritchard. Monro is expected to take over Pritchard's kicking duties.
With Daypuck and Ryan Smith in the centres, Suggitt expects some solid defence. And Mensah-Coker and Mike Pyke provide size on the wings, with both over 6-5 and 240 pounds.
Experience and size may be lacking up front. however.
The Canadian starting 15 features 10 overseas pros and five domestic players. Add in the subs and 11 of the 22 who will dress are professional players.
The Italians appear to be resting some impact players. Fly half Ramiro Pez is on the bench, with Andrea Scanavacca getting his first start in four years. Star prop Martin Castrogiovanni is also on the bench.
Suggitt plans to introduce Tkachuk when Castrogiovanni comes off the bench.
Italy defeated Canada 51-6 the last time they met in 2004 in L'Aquila.
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Canada
Ed Fairhurst, Mike Pyke, Ryan Smith, Derek Daypuck, Justin Mensah-Coker, Ander Monro, Morgan Williams (captain); Dan Pletch, Pat Riordan, Forrest Gainer, Luke Tait, Oliver Atkinson, Mike Webb, Stan McKeen, Aaron Carpenter.
Replacements: Aaron Abrams, Kevin Tkachuk, Mike Pletch, Stu Ault, Adam Kleeberger, Dean Van Camp, D.T.H. Van Der Merwe.
Italy
David Bortolussi, Warren Spragg, Walter Pozzebon, Mirco Bergamasco, Marko Stanojevic, Andrea Scanavacca, Paul Griffen; Andrea Lo Cicero, Fabio Ongaro, Carlos Nieto, Santiago Dellape, Marco Bortolami (capt.), Josh Sole, Mauro Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse.
Replacements: Carlo Festuccia, Martin Castrogiovanni, Alessandro Zanni, Maurizio Zaffiri, Simone Picone, Ramiro Pez, Gonzalo Canale.
