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On the eve of the USA’s clash against the Harlequins, Head Coach Mike Tolkin has named a side that includes an extended bench. Blaine Scully will Captain the USA for the first time as the Eagles take the pitch at PPL Park in Philadelphia. The exhibition match is likely one the final opportunities for players to impress Tolkin before he makes his final selections for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. To get an extra look at players, the Eagles are carrying 27 players on the roster against the Harlequins.
“The extended squad allows us to get squad members who haven’t played much much-needed time against strong opposition,” said Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin in a release from USA Rugby.
The major addition to the USA’s first side is Samu Manoa as he returns to the squad and will be looked at to provide punch from No. 8. Aside from Manoa, Tolkin has opted for many of the same players that have featured throughout the Summer tests.
Eric Fry, Phil Thiel, and Titi Lamositele anchor a front row that has had a solid Summer. Cam Dolan and Greg Peterson make up the engine room. Dolan has been impressive since making his first appearance in the second row.
The Eagles back row will be anchored by Manoa at No. 8 making his first appearance for the Eagles in 2015. Al McFarland and John Quill both get the nod at flanker. Both players need to impress as the Eagle back row is deep and talented.
Mike Petri and AJ MacGinty are paired together in backs as the two look to continue to improve their work together as the first-choice halfback pairing for the Eagles. Thretton Palamo and Seamus Kelly are paired in the centers while Brett Thompson and Taku Ngwenya cover the wing. Blaine Scully will Captain the side from fullback where regular Captain, Chris Wyles, normally covers.
The USA is coming off of a strong Summer with two wins over Canada and one against Japan. With only two matches left before the World Cup, the squad is inching ever so closer to a final product. The USA has played a couple of professional club sides in recent years with both Munster and Clermont-Auvergne visiting the USA. The USA looks to continue their run with a win over Harlequins.
The two sides kick off at PPL Park at 3pm EST. The match can be viewed on ESPN3.
Men’s Eagles | v. Harlequins
1. Eric Fry
2. Phil Thiel
3. Titi Lamositele
4. Cameron Dolan
5. Greg Peterson
6. Al McFarland
7. John Quill
8. Samu Manoa
9. Mike Petri
10. AJ MacGinty
11. Brett Thompson
12. Thretton Palamo
13. Seamus Kelly
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya
15. Blaine Scully (C)
Men’s Eagles | Reserves
16. Zach Fenoglio
17. Olive Kilifi
18. Chris Baumann
19. Matekitonga Moeakiola
20. Joseph Taufete’e
21. Louis Stanfill
22. Matt Trouville
23. Andrew Durutalo
24. Niku Kruger
25. Folau Niua
26. Zack Test
27. Shalom Suniula
