Manoa Gelling: The more Samu Manoa plays for the Eagles the more comfortable he looks. He fit in well against Ireland last year, played well against Canada, but in these last two matches has looked even better. He brings a lot of unique skills to the team but it takes time to figure out how to use them. Hopefully when Taku Ngwenya returns the same thing can happen.
The Scrum Still Needs Work: There is no question that the scrum has improved from where it was in the first part of the summer. During the first part of the fall tour it still struggled a bit but that was expected against teams like the Maori All Blacks and Georgia. Russia has a decent pack but it's not better than the Eagles pack. Throw in that the forwards on the U.S. were arguably one of the best packs the team has had in recent memory and the Eagles should have done better against Russia. Uruguay will certainly look at the scrum as an area to target.
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Siddall Kicking: In the last two matches Adam Siddall has missed two kicks, both conversions from roughly the same spot. Aside from that he has been spot on. That is something that the Eagles have needed for a long time. With that kind of confident kicking it allows the team to make better decisions rather than take more risks in search of a try. As a back-up Chris Wyles can also kick.
Depth Improving, But Still Needs Work: Across several positions the Eagles proved their depth on Saturday. Tai Tuisamoa came in at lock and did a fantastic job. With Graham Harriman, Brian Doyle, Lou Stanfill, Inaki Basuari, Manoa, and Scott LaValla all capable of playing the position there should be a real fight for playing time. The same can be said at back-row and wing. That said, there are other positions that could use some help. Scrumhalf looked weaker than it has in the past. Hooker could also use some strengthening.
Age-grade System Paying Off: Cam Dolan, Titi Lamositele, Nick Wallace, Joe Cowley, Seamus Kelly, Tim Maupin and a few others are all recent products on the age-grade system. Credit to the coaching staff of the All-Americans squads for challenging these players early. That work is paying off.
Chris Wyles Is Good: In case we didn't know (we should because this was a point last week as well), Chris Wyles is a fantastic player. Todd Clever may get the recognition over the last decade as the face of the team but Wyles has been the driver behind their success.
Passing Has Improved: The final passes to set up the tries last weekend were phenomenal. They didn't just come from backs either, Phil Thiel had a marvelous pass to set up Dolan. Handling has always been an issue for the team but these last three matches that seems to be diminished. Whatever it is they've done to get better in that regard they need to keep doing it.
Fitness: As expected a lot of the players that played straight through October and November were tired and breaking against Russia. Without a robust domestic league it was bound to happen. In the lead up to the World Cup they are going to once again play a lot of matches and fitness will be key. Hopefully an expanded Elite Cup and the Pacific Rugby Premiership will help.
Defense: Lastly, the defense against Russia was fantastic. Russia didn't have many opportunities for points and that was thanks to the hard tackling and smart positioning from the Eagles. It was easily the strongest part of their game.