Canada's prop Jake Ilnicki (C) passes the ball next to hooker Ray Barkwill (R) during a training session in Leicester, England, in 2015

Canada is hoping to continue its dominance over the United States in World Cup qualifying when they square off Saturday against the Eagles in the first leg of a two-game series in Hamilton, Ontario.

Canada will host the first match of the series at Tim Hortons Field as the qualifiers will determine the Americas representative in Japan Rugby World Cup in two years.

"It is very important to win the first game," said Canada coach Mark Anscombe. "Whoever gets the victory is one up in a two test series so its crucial we take advantage of home field."

Canada is 38-17-1 all-time against the Americans, including two World Cup qualifier wins over the Eagles in 2013. Canada has not lost a qualifier to the United States since July 2009. The Eagles won the first match 12-6 but Canada recovered to dominate the second leg 41-18 to reach the 2011 tournament.

Canada has played in every Rugby World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1987, reaching the quarter-finals in 1991.

Coach John Mitchell has put together an experienced US squad with 200 caps. They defeated Canada 51-34 in a match earlier this year.

USA captain Todd Clever is tackled by a Russian player during a 2011 Rugby World Cup pool match

"We are really excited for this series, as you wait four years for this and you do not want to miss it," Mitchell said.

"The lads have put in a tremendous amount of quality work and have realized there is healthy competition for places dictated by a focus on nailing our key skills to improve our chance to win.

"It's also difficult to leave out outstanding squad members with the likes of Nate Brakeley and Will Magie because of the way our team mix has been selected. Injuries are always part of the game and we are very fortunate to have very good depth at this point in the series."

While the Eagles head into the qualifier series on a two-match winless streak, they hold a five-game overall winning streak over the Canadians.

"It's going to be a tremendous challenge for us," Mitchell said.

The second leg of the series takes place July 1 in San Diego.