New coach Mike Tolkin will hope that the end of his first season in charge will be better than the start. With a long injury and unavailable list he has padded his squad with ten members of the uninspiring ARC squad, and one wonders if perhaps he should have looked elsewhere to plug the holes.
FRESH FACES
Former Canada u20 prop Nick Wallace has earned himself a spot on the tour with a solid ARC tournament. Strong and mobile in the loose, the loosehead’s scrummaging still needs some work.
Highly rated prospect Zach Fenoglio covers prop as well but hooker is his preferred spot and where his future lies. Like Wallace, he does well around the pitch but his tight work needs improving.
Chicago-based second rower Graham Harriman is relatively new to representative rugby but has spent some time with the Sharks Academy in Durban and has the size and athleticism to succeed.
Irish-born flanker John Quill has previously represented Ireland at u19 level but is now playing in Boston. He is a classic openside, strong over the ball and likes to do the dirty work, but seemed a bit inconspicuous during the ARC.
A product of the famed Sydney University club in Australia but American by birth, Toby L’Estrange now looks the front runner for the problematic flyhalf position. He is comfortable on the ball but is probably the least qualified goal kicker of the three contenders for the spot.
Gearoid McDonald is another American-qualified Irishman who brings size and a big left boot to the table. His goal-kicking accuracy left a lot to be desired during the ARC but if he can sort that out he could be a reliable option.
The third new name, of sorts, at flyhalf is Zach Pangelinan who has been on the American radar for a while and Eagle fans will know him from the 7s side. He is the smallest of the three but as a former professional soccer player kicks well of either foot and has a decent step.
From top American university Life comes Cornelius Dirksen, a South African by birth and the older brother of Ospreys starter Hanno. The elder Dirksen is smaller and doesn’t look quite as exciting a prospect, but could provide decent cover at both scrumhalf and wing.
Chris Chapman came to the US via the same route as L’Estrange and showed enough to impress the Eagle selectors in the ARC. Most likely he will find himself understudying the vastly experienced Chris Wyles at fullback.
ONES TO WATCH
Prop Eric Fry has spent the past season with Manawatu in the ITM Championship getting valuable experience. There’s no question about his ability around the pitch, but there are questions about his ability to scrum.
Switching between lock and back row, Scott LaValla is now a regular with Stade Francais and is being touted as a future Eagle captain.
After being in the international wilderness for a couple years Peter Dahl returned first to the 7s side and now to the Eagles for another shot at the openside position. He’s a hard worker but no longer so sprightly. Can he make up for lost time?
Watch for the slippery feet of Luke Hume on the wing. Australian-born with rugby league experience, his strength belies his small stature. Most recently seen lighting up the IRB 7s circuit.
ON BORROWED TIME
Another appearing again after a significant absence is journeyman scrumhalf Robbie Shaw, now plying his trade with Richmond in the UK. With Mike Petri first choice and Shaun Davies moving up quickly this could be Shaw’s last stint with the Eagles.
Hard-running centre duo Andrew Suniula and Paul Emerick have never failed their country but are both now on the wrong side of 30, a significant milestone for midfielders. Unlikely to make the next World Cup their time in international rugby is running thin.
NOTABLE ABSENTEES
Former captain Mike MacDonald is out with a knee injury.
Giant prop Tololifi Liufau has been out of action since his contract with Nevers ended in June.
Former London Irish prop Will Johnson and hooker Phil Thiel have retired.
Northampton powerhouse Samu Manoa has again disappointingly opted to stay with his club side rather than risk injury with the Eagles.
Top back row prospects Taylor Mokate and Cameron Dolan were both injured in the ARC.
Ball running loose forward Andrew Durutalo is still recovering from knee surgery.
Eightman Nic Johnson is out with long-term concussion difficulties.
English-based scrumhalf Tim Usasz has retired.
June test flyhalf Will Holder is unavailable with military service.
World Cup winger James Paterson is absent with work commitments.
Flying Biarritz winger Takudzwa Ngwenya will miss the Russia test with VISA issues.
Fullback Blaine Scully is out with an injured achilles.
FORM GUIDE
Like Canada the Eagles have had only three tests this year, which aside from a big win over a depleted Georgian team have been pretty disappointing. The ARC squad had a very rough go, losing all three games and scoring only one try.
09 June – 25-28 loss vs Canada (Kingston)
16 June – 36-20 win vs Georgia (Glendale)
23 June – 10-30 loss vs Italy (Houston)
THE BIG PICTURE
With a threadbare squad and no form to speak of, Tolkin’s squad will be hard pressed to find victory on this tour. Though Russia and Romania are slight underdogs according to the IRB rankings they will both be very difficult, particularly the latter at home. Don’t be surprised to see the Eagles limp back to base winless and with questions abound after a rough tour.
FIXTURES
09 November – Russia (Colwyn Bay)
17 November – Tonga (Colwyn Bay)
24 November – Romania (Bucharest)
