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It won't just be the Eagles that will be getting a taste of international rugby this weekend. A combined PRP All-Star team from Northern California is set to get in on the action as well as they take on a NSW Country side on Saturday at Treasure Island. The match, which combines Olympic Club and SFGG, is the first on a tour for NSW Country as they will take on a PRP All-Star team from SoCal (Santa Monica and Belmont Shore), OMBAC, and an Arizona All-Star team. In order to get more information on the match we spoke with SFGG Club Director Bruce Thomas.
TIAR: Who will be coaching the team?
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Bruce Thomas: Ray Lehner (O-Club Head Coach), Grant Wells (SFGG Assistant Coach), Scott Compton (O-Club Assistant Coach) with Eoin O'Toole (O Club DOR) & Mike Bobis (SFGG Team Manager) as Management. Adriaan Ferris, the new Life West coach, has taken some skills sessions with the squad as well.
TIAR: How will selections be made?
BT: A squad of players was originally outlined by the coaching staff providing a balance of strength in positions from both teams. The squad has trained together for two weeks and the coaching staff will be making their final selections this coming Wednesday for the match day squad.
TIAR: Will the top players from both clubs be available for the match?
BT: Hopefully so. Unfortunately some guys will be away for the Eagles v All Blacks game. That being said, there is still plenty of talent and strong players on the roster.
TIAR: Have their been practices leading up to the match?
BT: Yes, two weeks worth of practice. The squad will be working to adopt a simple but effective game plan looking to capitalize on the high collective skill set of the players involved. Off course there will also be an element of 'Barbarians' style flair that comes with putting a team together in a few weeks.
TIAR: What type of match are you expecting from NSW Country?
BT: A hard fought, physical game. NSW Country are coming of the back end of their representative season so they have had plenty of time to 'gel' and play together. Some of their players have been involved with the newly created NRC and a few others have been ear marked for Super Rugby; so its a high standard of play. As long as the SF All Stars stick to the basics and follow through on the structures that have been put in place - we should be in with a shout.
The Eagles-All Blacks match will be shown live in the SFGG clubhouse at 1:00 p.m. pt with the All-Star match starting at 3:15 p.m. pt.