Barker - a real sharpshooter. (Getty Images)

Born: 10.01.75
Position: Fly-half
Club: Arras

Barker has made a good start to his international career after making his Test debut against Tonga in May 2000, amassing 163 points in just 12 outings.

A fly-half with the Arras club in France, he has booted 40 penalties, 20 conversions and a drop goal so far in Test rugby, including a haul of 10 from 11 in only his second appearance for Canada.

A real sharpshooter, he went on a run in 2002 of 33 penalties and conversions in succession, but he has hardly played this year due to injury.

Knee surgery ruined his 2001 season, and while he was injury-free in 2002, this year has been a different matter as an Achilles tendon problem means he has spent most of his time watching from the sidelines.

While veteran Bobby Ross has done well since coming out of retirement to fill in for Barker, the Canadian management will be hoping the younger man is fit and raring to go once the World Cup gets under way.