|
And just to add to the importance of the event, the International Rugby Board is bringing ‘Bill’ to the Alberta capital to add some pomp and circumstance to the second leg of the two game home and away series.
For rugby fans ‘Bill’ is the nick name for the William Webb Ellis trophy – the Cup currently held by South Africa, who won the 2007 RWC.
For local organizer and former Rugby Canada president Roger Smith having ‘Bill’ at the game is icing on the World Cup cake.
“Having the Canadian team in the city to qualify for the World Cup again is fantastic,” said Smith, an Edmonton lawyer who has been instrumental in bringing International Rugby to Alberta on a more frequent basis than in the past.
“Having the World Cup trophy on hand just heightens the event for both players and fans alike – it is the holy grail of rugby and just like the Stanley Cup its presence in Edmonton is a once in a life time chance for many to see it up close and personal,” he offered.
The game on 11th will follow the opening round match that takes place on Independence Day in Charleston, SC, in what are likely to be extremely steamy conditions with the mercury hitting the low 90s along with high humidity and just a 20% chance of rain.
The game can be seen on ESPN at 4pm (EDT) on Saturday, July 4th.
Canada returns to Edmonton on July 5th – bringing with it the result – and having to add to or defend that points total in the second game.
The winner of the two game total point series is booked into the 2011 World Cup as the Americas 1 winner in a pool with Tonga, New Zealand, France and the top Asian qualifier, likely Japan.
A loss would spell a much longer road to the shaky isles including a home and away series against Uruguay in August and likely placement in Pool C of the World Cup with Australia, Ireland, Italy and the Europe 2 qualifier.
A win triggers more World Cup preparation support from the IRB and gives the winning team a chance to really focus in on preparations in the lead-up to the 2011 event.
