International Rugby News
Well there’s no rest for the weary.
Several USA players get the day off tomorrow as Eagle Head Coach Mike Tolkin has shifted some players around for tomorrow’s Pacific Nations Cup clash with Tonga. The entire backline is changed from the previous game.
And there’s plenty to live up to, as the Eagles came away with a 23-18 victory after pushing Samoa in a 21-16 loss.
The invitations started going out Sunday night, a day after the Women’s Junior All American (WJAA) selection camp wrapped up in Greeley, Colo. Interim head coach Wil Snape and staff have the Can-Am series for which to prepare, and the team will reassemble on August 15 at Central Washington University for matches against Canada U20s on Aug. 19 and 22.
USA Men’s Head Coach Mike Tolkin surprised me a little with the number of changes he made for Wednesday’s game against Tonga, but the changes are necessary, as he has to see the players in action, and he has to rest some for the game after that.
TORONTO (USA Rugby) – Former Traverse Bay U19 standout Phil Thiel will captain the USA against Tonga Wednesday in the final pool match of the 2015 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.
Whether USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin chooses John Quill or Andrew Durutalo at openside flanker, it does appear that he has chosen a ball-hawk type #7 for the Eagles.