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| Photo: Janet Young |
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One of the biggest questions on the minds of fans heading into this weekend's match is who will start for the All Blacks and who will start for the Eagles? Will leave the All Blacks question to those in New Zealand but we'll take on the Eagles challenge.
By and large the selections are pretty straightforward. There are only 26 players on the roster for the match and 23 of those will dress. Additionally, some positions only have one or two players available. Lastly, the Premiership players will only be available for the match so it would be crazy not to use them.
Prop: There are five props on the roster but without discounting Ben Tarr's bright future there are only four realistic options for the match--Eric Fry, Ollie Kilifi, Nick Wallace, and Mate Moeakiola. In many ways this position is one of the most contested of any on the team. Any of the four players could start, even Moeakiola who hasn't been with the team for a number of years. Both Wallace and Kilifi did reasonably well in the ARC and have the chemistry to start. Fry has been getting off and on time with Newcastle but has been starting over the last few weeks. He's easily the most experienced of the props and that factor alone will likely get him the nod. We also think that Kilifi gets the start.
Take the jump to read more.
Hooker: Phil Thiel has been the starter over the last several years but Tom Coolican has seen steady time with the Sydney Stars in the National Rugby Championship and has looked strong. Thiel didn't have the best ARC and that may be enough for Coolican to come in and take the starting job.
Lock: This is another stacked position. With players like Samu Manoa, Lou Stanfill, and Scott LaValla all able to play in the locks or the back-row Mike Tolkin is going to have options. Manoa has been starting at number eight for Northampton but has been seen more as a lock with the Eagles. We think he's stays there with one of Hayden Smith, Lou Stanfill, or Tai Tuisamoa starting with him. Smith has been getting so-so time with the Saracens but is back to rugby shape. Stanfill had a good ARC and provides experience. Tuisamoa has the talent but with him being able for two others matches. We think that Smith gets the nod.
Back-row: With Manoa in the locks that means a combination of Danny Barrett, Todd Clever, Cam Dolan, and LaValla will start. LaValla and Clever are automatic starters while Dolan is only available for the match. That doesn't mean he'll start but he's been good at number eight for the Eagles. Barrett would be a great energy option off the bench.
Scrumhalf: Mike Petri will be the man at scrumhalf. He had a much better summer last year and the hopes are that it will continue. Shalom Suniula will be both the back-up.
Fly-half: Adam Siddall is the only fly-half on the roster and indications are that if he goes down during the game Chris Wyles may slide in.
Center: Seamus Kelly, Andrew Suniula, and Folau Niua are the options at center. Suniula will almost certainly get the nod at inside center. He was a veteran presence at the ARC and his experience will be big. It's between Seamus Kelly and Folau Niua will fight it out for the other spot. It's an even fight with both having plusses and minuses. Kelly played well during his trial at Gloucester while Niua did well at the ARC after the Gold Coast 7s. We think that Niua can provide a better option of the bench so that's where we put him.
Wing: Blaine Scully and Brett Thompson will be the starters against the All Blacks. Tim Stanfill played well at the ARC but right now Scully and Thompson are on another level. That's unfortunate for Stanfill because that may mean he misses out on the match all together.
Fullback: This is Chris Wyles, all the way. Troy Hall will back him up and make the bench because he's very versatile.
1. Eric Fry
2. Tom Coolican
3. Ollie Kilifi
4. Samu Manoa
5. Hayden Smith
6. Todd Clever
7. Scott LaValla
8. Cam Dolan
9. Mike Petri
10. Adam Siddall
11. Brett Thompson
12. Andrew Suniula
13. Seamus Kelly
14. Blaine Scully
15. Chris Wyles
16. Phil Thiel
17. Mate Moeakiola
18. Nick Wallace
19. Lou Stanfill
20. Danny Barrett
21. Shalom Suniula
22. Folau Niua
23. Troy Hall
Unfortunately missing out: Ben Tarr, Tai Tuisamoa, Tim Stanfill