Canada captain Tyler Ardron insists his knee is "fine" as he prepares to return to Kieran Crowley's starting XV against Italy on Saturday.

Ardron missed Canada's first match at the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Ireland in a bid to reach full fitness and has been named at number eight for his country's next Pool D fixture at Elland Road.

The 24-year-old - one of Canada's small group of professional players - cannot wait to make his World Cup debut.

"The knee is fine. I was pretty much ready to go against Ireland, I've trained at 100 per cent for a few weeks now," he said at a media conference.

The Ospreys forward added: "I'm excited to make my return to the squad, especially since it's my Rugby World Cup debut as well. I thought the team played with a lot of passion against Ireland and I'm keen to do my part on Saturday."

While Ireland cruised past Canada 50-7, Crowley's men should be full of confidence in Leeds as they aim for their country's eighth win in World Cup history.

Canada have beaten Italy twice in their history - more than any other tier one rugby nation bar Argentina - although the most recent victory came in 2000.

Ardron knows he and his fellow forwards face a tough task if Canada are to shock Jacques Brunel's Italians this time out.

"Italy are a fully professional side and are known for having a strong, physical forward pack so we're going to have to match them up front," he said.

Ardron is one of six changes to Crowley's XV from the line-up that started against Ireland last week, while late call-up James Pritchard - Canada's all-time leading points scorer - has not made the matchday squad.

Italy coach Brunel has made four changes himself to his starting team as they look to bounce back from a 32-10 loss to France.

Italy have won five of seven meetings with Canada with an aggregate score of 203-92.