(Hayden Smith and Eric Fry were two of the overseas pros made available for just one game in November. Photo David Barpal.)

THE TRADE
When the New Zealand All Blacks said they wanted to come to the USA to play in a blockbuster test match at Soldier Field, it all seemed too good to be true. The idea was to get 40,000 or so at the iconic football stadium in Chicago, raise the profile of the game in the USA, and make some money for everyone. But, the only day available was November 1, outside the official World Rugby test match window. This meant that pro clubs did not have to release their players for this game.

Of course, the All Blacks were not interested in playing against a USA team without their very best players, and USA Rugby did not want to risk a massive blowout by playing a game without their best. So ... something had to be done. The solution was a trade of availability. The top pros in the Aviva Premiership were relesed for November 1, but would not be available for the remainder of the fall matches for the USA.

So the Eagles played against the All Blacks with Eric Fry, Hayden Smith, Samu Manoa, Blaine Scully, and Chris Wyles, but played without them against Romania, Tonga, and Fiji. Other players, such as Tai Tuisamoa, Scott LaValla, and Thretton Palamo had limited availability. Brett Thompson's availability was moot as he was injured in the New Zealand game.

How did it all turn out? Soldier Field sold out with 61,500 fans - that was a win. The All Blacks won 74-6 - kind of a wash as it would likely have been much worse without the best Eagles. The USA beat Romania, but lost winnable games against Tonga and Fiji - a loss, at least in the short term.

In the long term, this might work out, as many more players got time on the field for the Eagles, and Head Coach Mike Tolkin saw who (John Quill, Tim Stanfill) culd help him in 2015. All of the players left to fend for themselves in the rest of November came out of the experience more ready to face a World Cup year.

The problem, or issue, then, may not be how it all worked out for 2014, but whether it works again. Several countries, Australia on the top of the list it seems, are interested in a similar All Blacks experience. But if this November blockbuster test becomes a regular thing (and we hope it does), then this Trade needs to be more in the USA's favor in future years.


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