With no international rugby on tap this weekend, here’s a blast from the past to keep you entertained while the blog takes a couple days off. This is Canada’s second game of the 1996 Pan-Am Tournament, this time against the US Eagles. Both sides feature some names that would go on to have impressive careers, and some older hang-ons from the amateur era.

For Canada this was just the second cap for Balmy Beach pair Scott Hendry and Scott Bryan, and also former Rotherham no8 Mike Schmid. Replacements were still only made for injury at this point, with Brian McCarthy making his debut as a sub.

The Eagles featured one of their best second row pairings, Alec Parker and Luke Gross, who would go on to play more than 100 caps between them. Bob Lockrem makes his debut on the wing, with soon-to-be stalwart Juan Grobler in only his second appearance at centre. An uncapped Kevin Dalzell was on the bench, but didn’t make his debut just yet.

Broadcast on TSN via ESPN, with commentary coming from Tommy Smith and Mike Hill. Video source is VHS, just about good enough for YouTube viewing.

CANADA vs UNITED STATES

Wednesday, September 18, 1996, Hamilton

Referee: Santiago Borsoni (UAR)