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There are a number of changes in the starting line-up for the Eagles from their match against Romania as they get set to take on Tonga this Saturday in Gloucester. In total there are six changes to the starting line-up with the biggest changes come in the forwards where Scott LaValla returns from a one week stint with his club Stade Francais. He comes in for Todd Clever at flanker and will captain the team. John Quill and Matt Trouville will once again form the back-row.
The locks have wholesale change with both John Cullen and Greg Peterson earning starts. Both came off the bench last week and played well. Tai Tuisamoa moves to the bench while Lou Stanfill is rested completely. The other change in the forwards has Mate Moeakiola starting at prop in place of Ollie Kilifi who is not on the roster altogether with an injury. Nick Wallace will start at the other prop position with Phil Thiel remaining at hooker.
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There are two changes in the backs. Shalom Suniula will start at fly-half coming in for Adam Siddall, who is hurt. He made a tough tackle last week and looked to have taken a knock to the head. With concussions in his past it's unclear how long he'll be out. The last change has Tim Maupin coming in for Taku Ngwenya on the wing. Ngwenya once again has passport issues entering England. Andrew Suniula and Seamus Kelly remain in the centers with Tim Stanfill on the wing and Folau Niua at fullback.
The bench has a few surprises, mainly the inclusion of Ealing center Ronnie McLean. He was a mainstay with the club last year in the RFU Championship and has been again this year as they are playing well in the National League One. Tom Coolican, Angus MacLellan, and Ben Tarr will be the options in the front row while Tuisamoa, Clever, and Kyle Sumsion are the options in the back-row. Thretton Palamo is the only other option for the backs along with McLean.
The match will be streamed live by the IRB starting at 11:45 a.m. et/8:45 a.m. pt.
Forwards: Nick Wallace, Phil Thiel, Mate Moeakiola, John Cullen, Greg Peterson, Scott LaValla, John Quill, Matt Trouville
Backs: Mike Petri, Shalom Suniula, Tim Stanfill, Andrew Suniula, Seamus Kelly, Tim Maupin, Folau Niua
Bench: Tom Coolican, Angus MacLellan, Ben Tarr, Tai Tuisamoa, Kyle Sumsion, Todd Clever, Thretton Palamo, Ronnie McLean