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Mark Anscombe’s squad for the first match of Rugby Canada’s November series looks a lot like a Rugby World Cup lineup, with some notable exceptions.

The tight five boasts plenty of international experience. The back line is as good as can be. And there’s potential in the back row.

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But against Ireland on Saturday (11 a.m. PT, CBC), a squad bouncing along on a All Blacks-defeating high, can the Canadians possibly keep anything close? Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has completely turned over the lineup which bested New Zealand last weekend in Chicago, giving the depth of his squad a test before they face New Zealand again on Nov. 19.

“They’ll also take it as an opportunity to prove to Joe what they’re capable of doing and want to press on to play the All Blacks,” Anscombe said on a Thursday conference call.

“We have to do well on Saturday so that we get credibility, so that we can face off against other tier one teams,” he said. The New Zealander knows a win for his side is a well-nigh impossibility, but as the cliche goes, there’s also a reason why they play the games.