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Heading into their opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Samoa, the USA Eagles have some questions that need to be answered. Whether or not the squad can handle some of these questions may determine whether their World Cup campaign is deemed a success or failure. One question, in particular, is applicable to the World Cup, but has more ramifications on the future of the team.
1. Can the Eagles overcome the loss of Scott LaValla?
The loss of Scott LaValla to an injury last week was a huge blow to the Eagles. LaValla is a leader on and off the pitch and a player that performs with consistency at a very high level. While back rowers like Danny Barrett and Andrew Durutalo have come on strong, LaValla was still going to play a huge role in the Eagles pack at the World Cup. With LaValla in the mix, it gave Head Coach Mike Tolkin the ability to employ a four player back row rotation.
The USA needs their back row to set the tone and produce to give them a chance to win. With four tough matches over a month’s time, player fatigue is certainly going to be an issue. John Quill can provide cover at openside flanker, Al McFarland is better suited to play blindside, and Matt Trouville can play No.8. All three are decent players, but not at the same level of LaValla who could play both flanker positions and even fill in at lock if needed. He gave the coaching staff lots of flexibility and options. The USA has depth in their back row, but this was a big loss for the team.
2. How will the scrum fare when Eric Fry and Titi Lamositele aren’t on the pitch?
Pray for a healthy World Cup for Eric Fry and Titi Lamositele. The pairing of the two has produced the most stable scrum the USA has had in years. With the struggles that the Eagles have had on offense, they need the scrum to provide a solid platform for attack. Fry and Lamositele have done that.
The problem is that once they’re off the pitch, the same cannot be said of the rest of the group. Mate Moeakiola provides plenty of experience in the front row, but was quickly supplanted by Lamositele this Summer. Olive Kilifi looks more fit than in the past and could provide cover, but is still a drop off. Chris Baumann looked shaky during his playing time this Summer.
The USA lacks depth at the position and it could be a very big issue during the World Cup. A stable scrum is a key factor in any USA chance at winning more than one game at the World Cup. If it isn’t stable, then it is going to be a long month for the Eagles.
3. Will the offense be able to produce tries?
The USA’s offense struggled for most of the Summer. Now that it’s time for the World Cup, whether the Eagles can produce tries is a question that many are wondering. The addition of AJ MacGinty gives the USA a reliable kicker that can keep the scoreboard ticking, but if they are going to upset any of their Pool B opponents, then at some point they are going to need to score tries.
In their seven match buildup to the World Cup, the Eagles produced a total of 12 tries. Take away the five tries scored against Canada and the number is quite a bit more worrisome. To make matters a bit more worrying, seven of the Eagles’ 12 tries this Summer were produced by forwards. The USA backs failed to score a single try during the Pacific Nations Cup.
The offense lacked creativity during the pre-World Cup buildup, with many hoping Tolkin was holding cards close to his chest. The backline did produce five tries in their final three matches of the Summer, so there is reason to be encouraged.
4. Can the USA win more than one game at the World Cup?
Perhaps the most pressing and most often asked question from fans. The Eagles have never won more than one match during any of their previous World Cup appearances. In fact, the USA has only won three matches in their six trips to the World Cup. Winning two matches would be a significant achievement for the USA at the 2015 World Cup. Their Pool B opponents include Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, and Japan in that order.
Make no bones about it. Even a single USA victory at the 2015 World Cup will be considered an upset. All four of their pool opponents are higher ranked. There is little hope of turning South Africa over, so that can be tossed out. However, the USA have proven to be competitive against Samoa, Scotland, and Japan. Pipping even one of them should be a tall task, but upsetting a second one of them would truly be a momentous occasion.
As it stands, the USA will likely target Japan as their match to win at the World Cup. The one to keep an eye on will be their World Cup opener against Samoa. If Samoa stumbles at all, the Eagles could make them pay.
5. Is this Mike Tolkin’s last run as Head Coach of the USA?
It is not uncommon to hear rumblings about the retirement or changing of coaches post-World Cup. As the pinnacle of the sport, it is a great time for both players and coaches to step away. There have been rumors swirling that this could be Mike Tolkin’s last hurrah as Head Coach of the Eagles.
Tolkin was an Assistant with the Eagles before taking over as Head Coach after the 2011 World Cup. With a full cycle under his belt, the 2015 World Cup is his opportunity to put his stamp on the National Team. His tenure has been up and down with inconsistent results from the Eagles. At no point during his reign has there been threats of dismissal, but there is certainly pressure to produce improved results with the USA.
The team has more professionals in the squad than at any other point in time, but has produced similar results as their amateur predecessors. Coming away from England without any wins would certainly be a tough pill to swallow for the USA Administration and fans. Just as the USA found another level of success with the appointment of Mike Friday to their 7s program, there is a chance that USA Rugby could look for a big name in 15s to take over the team during the next World Cup cycle.
