Yesterday we broke down the forwards on the Eagles World Cup Training Squad and today we take a look at the backs. It should be noted that even if a player isn't listed on the 50 man roster he can still be included on the final roster.
Scrumhalf: Niku Kruger, Louis Mulholland, Mike Petri, Robbie Shaw
Whether you agree or not Mike Petri is the number one option at scrumhalf heading into the World Cup. He did not have a good 2013 but rebounded with a solid 2014. The options to back him up include Shalom Suniula, Robbie Shaw, Niku Kruger, and Louis Mulholland. At this point it seems like Suniula and Shaw have the inside track at the position. Suniula has played scrumhalf for the Eagles before while Shaw has been good for the team the last few years, including in South America.
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It's not out of the question that the team takes three scrumhalfs. If that's the case Suniula, who can also play fly-half, and Shaw are the most likely options. Kruger is a great prospect, as is Mulholland, but it seems that they are more projects for the future. That doesn't mean Kruger won't make the team but he has a hill to climb. Still, you have to like the fact that Tolkin has been willing to bring young players into camp.
Fly-half: Toby L'Estrange, AJ MacGinty, Shalom Suniula
After the South American tour this position became obvious in that AJ MacGinty has the starting spot to lose. That doesn't mean Suniula can't take it from him but MacGinty has an excellent boot and runs a smooth game. With more games under his belt he'll only grow in that role. L'Estrange is an interesting option and his versatility could mean he makes the team. He's a good defender and if not playing fly-half can play fullback or center. That may mean he only needs to beat out the back-up options at fullback to make the team.
Center: LeMoto Filikitonga, Seamus Kelly, Chad London, Folau Niua, Thretton Palamo, Andrew Suniula
For the last few years the center position has been pretty straightforward. Seamus Kelly, Folau Niua, Thretton Palamo, and Andrew Suniula have had the inside track. That looks very likely to continue. If there is a player to slip out it's Suniula but he's back healthy and got good game time in Romania. Chad London had a great season for Glendale and is underrated but he, along with LeMoto Filikitonga, will have to show very well to break into the top four.
Wing: Tim Maupin, Taku Ngwenya, Blaine Scully, Tim Stanfill, Zack Test, Brett Thompson
The U.S. has had good depth at wing the last few years but only Blaine Scully is an automatic selection. Brett Thompson and Taku Ngwenya are close to automatic selection but they have more question marks. Thomson needs to stay healthy while Ngwenya needs to fit into the game plan. Tim Stanfill has a good shout at a spot considering his try scoring record for the team while Tim Maupin had a great season in Ireland and is a defensive presence. The wildcard at this position is Zack Test. His only 15s play in recent times was at the Americas Rugby Championship where he played decently. Now that he's able to switch back to 15s for the time being that may help him grab that fourth spot.
Fullback: Troy Hall, Ronnie McLean, Zach Pangelinan, Chris Wyles
Fullback is one of the more interesting positions on the team. Chris Wyles is one of the first names pencilled in on the team sheet and will be the almost certain starter at fullback. However, there are questions whether the team choose to take players that can play multiple positions, like L'Estrange or Maupin, or whether a player like Troy Hall, Ronnie McLean, or Zach Pangelinan breaks through. All three of those players can also play multiple positions. The battle amongst the backs is going to be fierce and fun to watch.