Argentina is a legitimate world power in rugby while Canada, Uruguay and the United States are second-tier nations aspiring for more.
Each of the four countries in the Americas Rugby Championship, beginning tonight at Westhills Stadium [formerly Bear Mountain Stadium] in Langford, brings its own unique branding and ethic to the game.
The tournament essentially features the national 'B' teams of each country - with a few Test veterans mixed with young players on the brink - and opens with the U.S. and Argentina playing at 5: 30 p.m., followed by Canada and Uruguay at 7: 30 p.m. Other double-headers take place Tuesday and Oct. 20 at the Langford facility, which is home to the Rugby Canada Centre of Excellence.
Here is a look at each participating team:
CANADA
The world No. 13 Canucks will be looking to carry forward the momentum from last year's emotionally jolting and eventful run through the 2011 World Cup. There's even a Beardo in the mix with World Cup veteran Hubert Buydens of the Oak Bay-based Castaway Wanderers.
Other 2011 World Cup veterans are Sean White of James Bay Athletic Association and Nathan Hirayama of the University of Victoria Vikes. But this team is more about the next generation of World Cup players such as Connor Braid, like White a graduate of Oak Bay High, Pat Kay of Cowichan and captain Tyler Ardron.
"This is a stepping stone for our players," said Canadian head coach Kieran Crowley of Mill Bay.
"These young guys are getting an opportunity. We look forward to the challenge."
There's a lot to learn very quickly when you step up to this level.
"Young players need to understand they can't play in fits and starts in international rugby. You have to be consistent in performance. That's basically what we [coaching staff] will be looking for."
URUGUAY
Coming from a small country, the world No. 21 Los Teros are a plucky bunch who are always eager to learn. If their overachieving soccer team can reach such heady heights, why not in rugby?
"We are here to use every opportunity we get from the IRB [International Rugby Board] to improve our level," said head coach Pablo Lemoine, an all-time Uruguayan great as a for-ward with 49 caps.
"This is an important tournament before the games in November [the next Test window]."
The captain is Arturo Avalo.
"This is a young team yet mature," he said.
"As always, we are here to win."
And then he quipped: "That is the extent of my English."
UNITED STATES
The world No. 17-ranked Eagles are Canada's greatest natural rival in the sport. One wonders how good the Americans could get in this sport if they are able in the future to divert more football players to rugby.
The U.S. squad held a four-day camp in San Francisco before heading to Victoria.
The Eagles had a surprisingly good showing at the 2011 World Cup and will be looking to continue to improve on the world stage.
Cameron Dolan is from Life University and will captain the U.S., under head coach Mike Tolkin.
ARGENTINA
Why is this country so good internationally in team sports - winning World Cup, Summer Olympic and Pan-Am Games medals in soccer, basketball and field hockey? Toss rugby into the mix as the Pumas are one of the great national sides in the world, currently No. 8 in the IRB rankings and a regular rival on the schedule for famed national sides such as the Australia Wallabies, New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks.
"We play with a big heart and are very passionate," said Daniel Hourcade, head coach of Argentina's team in this Americas tournament.
It's in their nature, said team manager Diego Tyslak.
"Argentine society believes in teamwork, loyalty and sacrifice," he said.
"And rugby represents a perfect example of that."
There is little doubt Argentina is the marquee nation in this Americas tournament and must be considered the favourite. This is essentially Argentina's second team - which is saying something.
"Like Canada, we have brought a lot of young players on this team and we have guys here who want to develop into first-team Pumas for Argentina," said 23-year-old captain Tomas Cubelli, who is well on his way with seven caps for the Pumas.
Coach Hourcade concurred.
"This is a very important tournament for our younger players," he said.
"We want to play good rugby and win."
ON THE TURF
? TODAY
- USA vs. Argentina, 5: 30 p.m. - Canada vs. Uruguay, 7: 30 p.m.
? TUESDAY
- Uruguay vs. Argentina, 5: 30 p.m. - Canada vs. USA, 7: 30 p.m.
? OCT. 20
- Uruguay vs. USA, 5: 30 p.m. - Canada vs. Argentina, 7: 30 p.m. * All games at Westhills Stadium
