听
The Langford-based Canadian team ran into a host-nation chainsaw at the France Sevens in Paris on Friday.
The French recorded a commanding 42-5 victory over sa国际传媒 in the tournament opener at Stade Jean-Bouin.
sa国际传媒 is using the final World Series tournaments, this weekend in Paris and next week London, as preparation for the last-chance Olympic qualifier for Rio on June 18-19 in Monaco.
鈥淲e are looking to build momentum to Monaco, where we want to peak,鈥� Canadian head coach Liam Middleton said before the team left Victoria for Paris.
On the roster in Paris on Friday were University of Victoria Vikes graduates Nate Hirayama and Lucas Hammond; Mike Fuailefau, Sean White and Luke McCloseky, all from Victoria; Luke Bradley of Port Alberni; Adam Zaruba, Conor Trainor and Phil Berna, all of Vancouver; Admir Cejvanovic of Burnaby; Justin Douglas of Abbotsford; John Moonlight of James Bay; and Matt Mullins from Belleville, Ont.
Zaruba, returning to the roster for the first time since the sa国际传媒 Sevens in March, scored sa国际传媒鈥檚 lone try.
sa国际传媒 continues pool play today against Argentina and the United States.
Also travelling with the team is Phil Mack, a veteran from Victoria, considered the inspirational heart of the national side. He was injured at sa国际传媒 Place during the sa国际传媒 Sevens, but is expected back next week for the London Sevens and in plenty of time for the Olympic qualifier in Monaco. That鈥檚 good news for sa国际传媒.
The Langford-based Canadian women鈥檚 sevens team qualified for the 2016 Olympics based on its No. 2 world ranking last year. The current world No. 4 is expected to be vying for the podium in Rio.
