KEY POINTS:
Graham Henry can rest assured the Canadians won't be as argumentative as their French rugby counterparts -- but they'll still be trying to get under the All Blacks' skins.
French coach Bernard Laporte didn't take a backward step in the lead-up to his side's record 61-10 defeat in
Wellington last weekend, taking issue with Henry's claims the Tricolores were cynically negative.
Laporte even mischievously suggested Henry's impressive coaching record during his tenure was more about the quality of players he had at his disposal.
Ric Suggitt, meanwhile, has neither the star quality nor inclination to soil the welcome mat rolled out for a one-off test at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium on Saturday night.
Unlike the reluctant French, the Canadians are genuinely relishing the prospect of a rare opportunity to absorb a rugby lesson.
"As athletes you want to challenge yourself against the best in the world, we're looking forward to it," head coach Suggitt said.
"We're not going to bend over and moan and whine like the French did.
"This test will give us a good gauge on where we're at and help us pick up the speed of our game."
Canada only have a run against Portugal to look forward to before they join a World Cup group including heavyweights Australia and Wales so just their fifth match against New Zealand in 27 years ago is a rare treat -- and another example of the bond developed by teacher and student.
"We had a development side here last year, we always come down for the sevens .... we've been treated world class by New Zealand for the last few years," Suggitt enthused.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has even shared their video analysis technology so ironically the Canadians can easily break down the All Blacks' back-to-back demolitions of France.
However, even before reviewing New Zealand's latest efforts the Canadians are already devoted to a simple game borne out by their use of borrowed tackle bags yesterday.
"You defend, you defend, you defend .... turn over the ball, go down the other end and score tries," Suggitt said, revealing this week's simplistic mantra.
Captain and halfback Morgan Williams, who retires after his third World Cup campaign in October, offered only a minor modification to his coach's grand design.
"We know what the All Blacks are going to bring to the table. They're skilled all the way through -- our big thing is to try to frustrate them.
"Hopefully they'll get a little unnerved and start doing things they wouldn't normally do.
"Our game plan is to get under their skin a bit, if they throw the ball maybe give them a quick (late) tap, kind of unsettle them," said Williams, who agreed the tactic had its flaws.
"That may help us, or they'll get angry and run in a few more tries."
- NZPA
