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Paris’ injury means that Jeff Hassler, no slouch himself, retains his spot on the right wing. DTH van der Merwe starts once again on Canada’s left wing.

Olmstead can also play in the second row but with the loss of Justin Blanchet and Kyle Baillie in Canada’s last match, a tight 20-15 loss to the USA, it seemed likely Olmstead would be looked to play blindside flanker.

Instead, Mike Sheppard, a bulky man but more familiar as a lock, will pack down on the side of the scrum. Starting in the second row are Conor Keys and Josh Larsen; Larsen was a last-minute addition to the RWC squad after Blanchet was ruled out with a concussion.

Canada’s lineup, otherwise, is nearly the same group that faced up against the Americans Sept. 7 at B.C. Place and were perhaps unlucky to lose. Hubert Buydens and Matt Tierney remain the props, with Eric Howard hooking between then. Lucas Rumball is at openside flanker, while Tyler Ardron captains from No. 8.

Gord McRorie remains the preferred choice at scrum-half, presumably because of his kicking prowess. Peter Nelson, who has shown flashes of attacking flair remains the fly-half, though much of his professional career with his former club Ulster has been at full-back or in the centres.

The only change in the backline is Nick Blevins starting at inside centre, with Ciaran Hearn dropping to the bench. Ben LeSage, who struggled to make an impact against the USA is at outside centre and will be leaned on heavily to contain the Italian backline, while creating attacking opportunities outwide. The Italians aren’t know for an expansive game but do have some threats on the outside.