When Canada were drawn in the same pool as New Zealand, several hearts must have fluttered.

When Wales and Italy, as well as dangerous South Sea foes Tonga, were also named as future opponents few Canadians would have been jumping for joy.

But when the news filtered through that captain Al Charron had to undergo knee surgery and may miss the World Cup, any excitement at having reached the finals would have quickly turned to apprehension.

Canada were unlikely to win a game in Australia even with 73-cap Charron in their ranks but without the imposing lock, any possible hope may have disappeared.

Charron's absence would deprive him the chance of leading Canada to their fifth successive World Cup.

The Maple Leafs have been consistent attendees at the sport's showpiece event having participated in every tournament since its inception in 1987.

They made it to Australia by coming out on top of a tough Americas qualifying group which also included the United States, Uruguay and Chile.

If they are to better their previous performances in the finals, however, they are going to have to move past the quarter-finals - they made it to the last eight in 1991 before going down bravely to New Zealand 29-13.

Although that looks unlikely, their recent form has been reasonably impressive.

They may have suffered a miserable 2003 Churchill Cup campaign but, just 12 months earlier, they overcame Scotland 26-23.

That performance gives reason for optimism but every Canadian fan willingly admits their chances would be far greater if the man affectionately known as 'Big Al' was fit and ready to lead the side.

Squad: Ryan Banks, Jared Barker, John Cannon, Al Charron, Garth Cooke, Jamie Cudmore, Marco Di Girolamo, Jim Douglas, Pat Dunkley, Ed Fairhurst, Sean Fauth, Quentin Fyffe, Josh Jackson, Mike James, Matt King, Ed Knaggs, Mark Lawson, David Lougheed, James Pritchard, Jeff Reid, Bob Ross, Ryan Smith, Rod Snow, Winston Stanley, Jon Thiel, Kevin Tkachuk, Adam van Staveren, Morgan Williams, Nik Witkowski, Colin Yukes.