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The USA have named their side to face off against Canada this weekend at Twin Elm Rugby Park in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Eagles are coming off a thrilling victory over Canada at the recent Pacific Nations Cup final. The victory was the USA’s second in a row over their Northern rivals. The USA is gunning for a historic win as the squad has never defeated Canada three times in a row.
Eagles’ Head Coach Mike Tolkin has made some slight changes to the lineup that faced Canada at the PNC. With the Rugby World Cup looming, there are a few players on the roster that may be getting their final shot to fight their way onto the World Cup squad. At the same time, Tolkin is going with a solid lineup that has the ability to extend their modest winning streak against the Maple Leafs.
In the front row, Eric Fry and Titi Lamositele have become the first-choice pairing at prop. Zach Fenoglio gets the nod at hooker. Cam Dolan and Greg Peterson are paired together in the second row. Dolan impressed during the PNC in his first crack at lock and gets another opportunity to solidify his role. Peterson looks to rebound from a mediocre PNC. In the back row, Al McFarland gets the start at blindside flanker while PNC breakout player Andrew Durutalo starts at openside. Danny Barrett returns at No. 8 to round out a back row that will need to put in another strong effort in order for the Eagles to have a shot at victory.
Mike Petri and AJ MacGinty are paired together at the halfbacks. The duo are likely the first choice for the World Cup and are now tasked with unlocking a USA offense that has struggled this Summer. MacGinty provides the USA with a strong boot and should keep Canada on their toes in their own half for fear of giving away kickable penalties. Thretton Palamo and Seamus Kelly are paired up in the centers and are in need of a breakout game. The duo has the ability to give defenses trouble, but have yet to realize that potential. Blaine Scully returns on the wing and is joined by Brett Thompson who is looking to get his name in the running for a World Cup roster spot. With one of the wing spots undecided, Thompson has a golden opportunity to show well. Chris Wyles returns as Captain and is in much need of some good ball to work with in attack.
The Eagles’ bench includes a handful of players on the bubble when it comes to RWC selection. Scrumhalf Niku Kruger stands to receive his first cap if he makes it onto the pitch. Veterans Phil Thiel, Louis Stanfill, John Quill and Andrew Suniula provide leadership and impact ability from the bench.
The USA faces a tough task in Ottawa as Canada is unlikely to give up another defeat easily. In their last meeting, the USA nearly gave away a match they should have won by at least ten or more points. Three yellow cards nearly ruined a strong effort by the Eagles. Tolkin’s charges are in need of a full 80-minute effort, something that they have yet to put in this Summer. As the side approaches the World Cup, now is the time for them to start to click if they are to give pause to any of their upcoming RWC opponents.
The USA takes on Canada at Twin Elms Rugby Park on Saturday August 22, 2015 at 4:00pm EST.
Men’s Eagles vs. Canada
1. Eric Fry
2. Zach Fenoglio
3. Titi Lamositele
4. Cameron Dolan
5. Greg Peterson
6. Al McFarland
7. Andrew Durutalo
8. Danny Barrett
9. Mike Petri
10. AJ MacGinty
11. Brett Thompson
12. Thretton Palamo
13. Seamus Kelly
14. Blaine Scully
15. Chris Wyles (C)
Men’s Eagles Reserves
16. Phil Thiel
17. Olive Kilifi
18. Chris Baumann
19. Louis Stanfill
20. Matt Trouville
21. John Quill
22. Niku Kruger
23. Andrew Suniula
