Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin has only made three changes to his starting line-up from Japan a week ago as his team gets set to take on Canada in Sacramento on Saturday. The match is the last of the summer series and it's a chance to players to solidify their places in the starting line-up and for others to break in.
The three changes to the starters include Brett Thompson earning his first cap. He comes in for Tim Maupin on the wing. Although not making his debut Thretton Palamo will get his chance in the centers alongside Seamus Kelly. The other change sees Hayden Smith come into the starting line-up at lock with Scott LaValla moving back to flanker. That also pushed Danny Barrett to the Number 8 role for the injured Cam Dolan.
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Thompson has been talked about as a player that could potentially be a mainstay for the Eagles on the wing. Tolkin has tried to have him in camp on several occasions but so it didn't work out due to 7s duty. Palamo has also been knocking on the door after making his full-time return to rugby. It would be surprising to see Palamo land an overseas gig thanks to his start.
The rest of the roster remains the same. Nick Wallace and Olive Kilifi will form the prop pairing with Phil Thiel at hooker. Samu Manoa returns at lock and Todd Clever does the same at flanker. Mike Petri and Shalom Suniula will play scrumhalf and fly-half respectively. In the backs Blaine Scully, Seamus Kelly, and Chris Wyles all return.
The bench doesn't see much change either. Luke Hume returns after not being on the team last week while Folau Niua drops down.
The match takes place at 6:00 p.m. et/3:00 p.m. pt and will be available on Universal Sports. We will be in Sacramento to bring you coverage and reaction.
Forwards: Nick Wallace, Phil Thiel, Olive Kilifi, Samu Manoa, Hayden Smith, Todd Clever, Scott LaValla, Danny Barrett
Backs: Mike Petri, Shalom Suniula, Brett Thompson, Thretton Palamo, Seamus Kelly, Blaine Scully, Chris Wyles
Bench: Tom Coolican, Eric Fry, Titi Lamositele, Lou Stanfill, Kyle Sumsion, Folau Niua, Chad London, Luke Hume