Eagles RWC Warm-Up - Part 2

[Getofmeland]

Yesterday we broke down the Eagles roster by the numbers. Today we will take those numbers and make predictions as to who will eventually make the roster.

Currently in camp their are 35 players. Yesterday will learned that 8 players only say action in match against Glendale and not against Canada. However, three of those players were hurt for the second Canada match. So, if we deduct the five that were healthy and didn't appear in a match with Canada that should give us the 30-man World Cup roster. However, there are other considerations at play that make it not so simple. We'll get to those in a moment, but first who is definitely in.

Locks to make the roster: Shawn Pittman, John van der Giessen, Hayden Smith, Lou Stanfill, Todd Clever, Nic Johnson, Nese Malifa, Andrew Suniula, Paul Emerick, Taku Ngwenya, Blaine Scully, Mate Moeakiola, Mike MacDonald, Phil Thiel, Chris Biller, Mike Petri, and Tim Usasz.

All of these players either started both matches against Canada, or were rotated out to see who would be the better starter. These players will make up 17 of the 30.

Almost certain to be on the roster: Scott LaValla, Roland Suniula, and Tai Enosa.

LaValla is the future of the team plain and simple. If he had been available for both tests against Canada he may have been in the above category. He will be at the World Cup. Roland Suniula provides cover at number 10 and on the wings. Tai Enosa has been valuable cover for any position in the back.

Using only these players, let's look at a depth chart (assuming the 30-man squad will be two deep at each position).

Starter Reserve

1. Mike MacDonald Mate Moeakiola

2. Phil Thiel Chris Biller

3. Shawn Pittman

4. John van der Giessen

5. Hayden Smith

6. Lou Stanfill Scott LaValla

7. Todd Clever

8. Nic Johnson

9. Mike Petri Tim Usasz

10. Nese Malifa Roland Suniula

11.

12. Andrew Suniula Tai Enosa

13. Paul Emerick

14. Taku Ngwenya

15. Blaine Scully

Here is where it gets tricky. If we use the numbers from yesterday then filling out the roster shouldn't be a problem, however, it comes down to what positions are open and if injuries will play a factor in selection. To help sort out the mess, let's look at battles in terms of position and then we'll make the final predictions.

Wings: This is the real crux of the uncertainty in the roster. Chris Wyles, James Paterson, Colin Hawley, and Kevin Swiryn are all in contention. First, injuries to Chris Wyles and James Paterson knocked them out of contention for the matches against Canada. Paterson has regained health and could feature against Japan this Saturday. Previously, this may have been crucial for him making the team as Eddie O'Sullivan may have been reluctant to take anyone who didn't know the U.S. system. However, the surprising struggles of Kevin Swiryn may make taking Paterson an almost certain need for O'Sullivan. Colin Hawley played well at #11 in the last match but hasn't had the same level of exposure as Paterson.

From how it sounds, Wyles injury may keep him out for most of the World Cup. He may only return to play one or two games. So they question becomes does Eddie O'Sullivan take a crucial part of his team even if he is hurt. I think the answer is yes. Not only may he return before people expect, but he is crucial to the atmosphere in the locker room. Wyles is a leader and his experience will be desperately needed.

In the end, the need for depth on the wing causes all four to go to the World Cup. Makes the cut: Paterson, Wyles, Swiryn, and Hawley

Centre: Paul Emerick and Andrew Suniula started both matches against Canada and played well, particularly on defense. However, injuries have prevented anyone from challenging for their positions. Paterson and Wyles can both play the position. Junior Sifa and Troy Hall were both hurt in the Glendale match and unable to participate against Canada. Sifa provides international experience, and Hall played decently in the Churchill Cup. If both Wyles and Paterson make the roster (which seems likely) then possibly only one of Sifa or Hall will make the team. Sifa's injury seems less serious and his experience may put him over the top.

Makes the cut: Sifa

Back Row: J.J. Gagiano and Inaki Basauri will most likely both make the World Cup roster, but the need to have cover at other positions may force one of them out of the squad. Gagiano made the 22 for both Canada matches but didn't play in either. Basauri was a sub in the first match but not in the 22 for the second.

Makes the cut: Gagiano and Basauri

Front Row: Eric Fry appeared in both Canada matches and appears to have the inside track on making the squad. However, it may too early to count out Will Johnson. The former London Irish player brings loads of experience that could be valuable to the team. He did not make the 22 for either Canada make which doesn't seem to bode well for him. Both can play multiple positions across the front two rows and may ultimately make the squad.

Makes the cut: Fry

So taking all of these picks into consideration that fills up 28 of the 30 roster spots. Every position has a back up except for lock. In reality, there are three players fighting for those last two roster spots: Will Johnson, Troy Hall, and Robbie Shaw. The need for a backup forward means that Will Johnson is the most likely of the three to make the team.

Shaw or Hall? Shaw is in a tough position because he is stuck behind Mike Petri and Tim Usasz. If Shaw was able to play multiple he may crack the roster. Hall has shown well before, but the extent of his injury is not known. Ultimately the health and experience of Shaw will put him on the roster.

The final two: Will Johnson, Robbie Shaw

This Is American Rugby's predictions for the 30-man Eagles roster:

Starter Reserve

1. Mike MacDonald Mate Moeakiola

2. Phil Thiel Chris Biller

3. Shawn Pittman Eric Fry

4. John van der Giessen Will Johnson

5. Hayden Smith

6. Lou Stanfill Scott LaValla

7. Todd Clever Inaki Basauri

8. Nic Johnson J.J. Gagiano

9. Mike Petri Tim Usasz Robbie Shaw

10. Nese Malifa Roland Suniula

11. James Paterson Kevin Swiryn

12. Andrew Suniula Tai Enosa

13. Paul Emerick Junior Sifa

14. Taku Ngwenya Chris Wyles

15. Blaine Scully Colin Hawley

What do you think? What changes would you make?

 

[markshaw]

you gotta pick patterson