TOKYO, 24, Sep - Peter Nelson won his first cap for Canada on 27 July, 2019. Two months later, he starts at fly-half as the Canucks open their Rugby World Cup 2019 campaign against Italy in their Pool B match on Thursday.

Nelson's rise through the Canada ranks is all the more remarkable given he is a former player for Ireland's U18 and U20 sides. Born in Northern Ireland, the 26-year-old, pictured, qualifies to play for Canada through his Toronto-born grandmother.

Second-row Josh Larsen is also named in the Canada starting XV by coach Kingsley Jones, coming in as a last-minute replacement for Justin Blanchet, who received a concussion in the test match against USA on 7 September and was consequently ruled out of the tournament.

"He's a good mate of mine so its sort of bitter-sweet but I'm really happy to be here," Larsen said of Blanchet after watching the USA game. Larsen said playing at his first RWC "means everything".

"This is the pinnacle of rugby, the World Cup, and to get my opportunity is amazing," he said. "It came last-minute. I was training with them for a few months out there and just missed out on the initial squad.

"To get added in like that, it's fantastic. It means the world to me. I played rugby from a young age so my family are proud and so are my friends. I'm just excited to be here and to give it a go."

Number eight Tyler Ardron captains the side at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium.

Canada

1. Hubert Buydens
2. Eric Howard
3. Matt Tierney
4. Conor Keys
5. Josh Larsen
6. Michael Sheppard
7. Lucas Rumball
8. Tyler Ardron (capt.)
9. Gordon McRorie
10. Peter Nelson
11. DTH Van Der Merwe
12. Nick Blevins
13. Ben Lesage
14. Jeff Hassler
15. Patrick Parfrey

16. Benoit Piffero
17. Djustice Sears-Duru
18. Jake Ilnicki
19. Luke Campbell
20. Matt Heaton
21. Jamie Mackenzie
22. Ciaran Hearn
23. Andrew Coe

RNS pp/ajr