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The Eagles are on the same level as Canada when it comes to burning desire for more high level competition for their best domestic talent. Their player numbers are increasing and yet there is no nationwide agreement on player pathway. PRO Rugby afforded a glimmer of hope but its demise – or postponement, depending on who you believe – has left the landscape barren once again. The Americas Rugby Championship is a very welcome addition to the calendar for the Americas and opens doors for those wishing to one day play in a World Cup. Attaining selection to the ARC remains a question with no clear answers.
2016 ARC
John Mitchell’s first foray into American rugby felt like a trial run. The Eagles used a lot of players – 40 to be exact – with lineups varying wildly from match-to-match. Despite the inconsistency the first three weeks went swimmingly, but the final two were the polar opposite with catastrophic losses to Brazil and Uruguay. Some players are unlikely to feature again in an American jersey. Others have since evolved into genuine test contenders.
POST-ARC 2016
The rest of the year wasn’t far off in terms of experimentation and with only two tests each in June and November there was never a time when it felt like the Eagles were putting their best foot forward. A close defeat to Italy and predictable win over Russia exposed a couple newcomers to test rugby but achieved little else, while the abbreviated trip to Europe felt like a trial run for a bunch of sevens players. The development competition in Montevideo ended with a record beating at the hands of the hosts.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
It’s somewhat unusual to name a veteran of 23 tests and a full time professional as one to watch, but there is a sense that Cam Dolan has something to prove in the ARC. Long touted as one of the great hopes of American rugby, the 26-year-old Florida native hasn’t quite reached the heights envisioned. With his contract with Cardiff Blues due to expire at the end of the season the ARC gives him a regular string of games to show his class.
In a similar vein, the tournament offers redemption for David Tameilau. After rapidly falling out of favor with John Mitchell and then losing his Newcastle contract, the big no8 has resurfaced with Narbonne in France and is again showing the undoubted promise that earned him a spot in the 2016 ARC Dream Team. His strong handling skills mark him as more than just a big brute on the charge.
One of the success stories of the PRO Rugby season was the return of Will Magie to American rugby. After a couple years in the wilderness, the former Junior All-American captain directed the Denver Stampede to the inaugural title with his educated kicking game and the ability to change tempo. Magie spent a few weeks in Australia training with the Western Force recently so should be in good nick. Will Mitchell give him a chance to press his claim for the no10 jersey?
Surely one of the most anticipated debuts in the ARC will be that of rampaging Ohio Aviators wing Spike Davis. The biggest back in the competition has his weaknesses but the immense power he generates in the contact area makes him a scary proposition for any defense. If he lives up to his billing, a full-time contract overseas won’t be far behind.
VERDICT
Mitchell has had his chance to mess around and he must now narrow his focus with June’s World Cup qualifiers against Canada fast approaching. He appears to have more consistency in his player availability this time around, though there are still a couple names from left field. The opening two rounds against Uruguay and Brazil provide an immediately opportunity to exorcise the failings of last year, and a chance to build some momentum for the critical clash against Canada on February 18. That game in Burnaby will in all likelihood decide whether the Eagles finish in second or third spot in 2017.
