As part of our coverage of the U.S.-Uruguay World Cup qualifying series we're bringing you an article on the Eagles everyday. This coverage is brought to you by Grubber, who are now offering their"50 States" shirt. You can get $5 off through this Saturday with the code: 50STATES
The Eagles wanted to head into Atlanta this weekend with a nice lead, but as we all know that didn't happen. Now with the series tied and the Eagles needing a win head coach Mike Tolkin is left with maybe some tighter decisions in terms of his starting lineup than he might have if they had a large lead. Now there is less room for error.
The good news for Tolkin is that he should have a full squad available to him once again. Regulars Adam Siddall and Shawn Pittman are still out and won't be making a surprise appearance but beyond that players just have a few small injuries that shouldn't keep them out. Ollie Kilifi felt some tightening in his legs against Uruguay but is healthy and ready to go. Todd Clever is still dealing with the effects of having his broken hand but should also be ready. So who will Tolkin pick?
Take the jump to read more.
Prop: This is a position that did well for the first 60 minutes of the match and then completely fell apart in the last 20. Kilifi was in there for his scrumming abilities and it showed. There is no reason why he won't get the start again. Fry did alright but considering how Nick Wallace did when he came in you have to feel that Fry still has the edge. Titi Lamositele is still young and was thrown into a difficult position on Saturday. He could be a surprise starter but we think he comes off the bench again.
Hooker: Phil Thiel didn't have his best overall match but he did score a try and his lineout throws were solid. He gets the start with Tom Coolican backing him up.
Lock: Samu Manoa was arguably the Eagles best player in Uruguay. He brings a lot of positives to the side and will start. Hayden Smith looked okay but is clearly still making the adjustment back to rugby. Tai Tuisamoa is an option as is Lou Stanfill. Still, we think that both Manoa and Smith stay.
Back-row: Like the rest of the team the back-row wasn't at their best but there is no reason to make a change barring an injury. The biggest question is whether Clever's hand feels well enough to start or to be a super sub. The latter is a highly unlikely but if it does happen look for Stanfill to come in.
Scrumahalf: Mike Petri did not have a strong game against Uruguay but Robbie Shaw didn't even make the bench. Shalom Suniula can play the position but looks more suited to fly-half. If there was a shake-up we'd say that Shaw starts over Petri but we don't think that will happen.
Fly-half: Toby L'Estrange will start here once again. He has a lot of detractors but the fact is he is the only player on the roster with significant experience at the position. Sure, you could slide S. Suniula or Folau Niua in there but they have their own strengths coming off the bench and at center respectively.
Center: Seamus Kelly is an option to spell either Andrew Suniula or Niua. A. Suniula has started nearly every single match under Tolkin and Niua brings a kicking element to the team. We doubt either will be on the bench. Plus, Kelly was the only player not used on Saturday.
Wing: This is one of the positions more likely to see a change. Blaine Scully will start but the question is whether Luke Hume, Tim Maupin, or Miles Craigwell plays opposite. Maupin got the start last Saturday but only lasted a half. Hume came in brought energy but is he an 80 minute player? Craigwell has now been around the team for awhile and it may be the right chance to put him in. We think that Hume starts.
Fullback: Chris Wyles will start here once again.
So here is our list of starters and subs:
Forwards--Kilifi, Thiel, Fry, Smith, Manoa, Clever, LaValla, Dolan
Backs--Petri, L'Estrange, Hume, A. Suniula, Niua, Scully, Wyles
Subs--Coolican, Wallace, Lamositele, Stanfill, Sumsion, S. Suniula, Kelly, Maupin