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There are no bigger rugby rivals for Canada than her neighbours to the south.

So, with just two months left until the Canadians launch their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign against Italy in Fukuoka, Japan, why not start preparations for that Sept. 26 match by playing the United States?

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Saturday in Glendale, Colo., (TSN1, 8 p.m.) Canadian coach Kingsley Jones will get his first look at how the national squad is shaping up. With a chance to bang heads with the U.S. and make an impression for RWC consideration, Jones knows his team’s motivation won’t be lacking.

“There’s certainly no need to be talking about that against a historic rival,” he said this week. The Americans have had Canada’s number of late; in fact, the red and white squads haven’t beaten the U.S. since 2013, a run of 11 games that includes 10 defeats and a draw.

But Jones is defiant. He believes his side is ready to find its winning groove again.