(John Quill joining Matt Trouville in a tackle against Tonga. Ian Muir photo.)

MATE MOEAKIOLA, TAKU NGWENYA, JOHN QUILL
Three guys originally from other countries who kind of disappeared off the USA map are back. Tongan-born Mate Moeakiola was playing in Utah when he was pulled into the USA team in 2007. He scored a try against England in the 2007 Rugby World Cup - his test debut - and played regularly for the Eagles through the 2011 World Cup. But his fitness faded after that, and the pro teams he played for seemed to be in lower and lower divisions. He hadn't been on the USA team since 2011 and there were real questions about the level of competition he was playing, and his ability to get around the field.

But Moeakiola was needed to fill in at prop, and despite playing in the French third division, he was a huge asset to the Eagles. He was tough, scrummed well, and showed he still can move around the park. Sometimes playing regularly, at any level, is all you need. Big Mate is back.

Taku Ngwenya was gone because he didn't play the game plan, and was difficult to contact. His lack of communication, coupled with the development of several exciting new wings, left one of the most recognizeable USA players on the outside. It took a lot of communication between player and coach, and perhaps a slight change in attitude from Ngwenya's club, Biarritz, about non-French players playing for their country, to change things, but, thankfully, it happened. Ngwenya came back with a renewed commitment to play rugby for the Eagles - within the game plan. He suited up for the USA for the first time in over a year, and scored two tries in two starts. In doing so he passed Todd Clever for 4th all-time in tries for the Eagles with 12, and with a busy 2015 ahead, could well pass Paul Emerick for 2nd (17) if he gets time.

John Quill got injured just as Samu Manoa became more available, and Cam Dolan and Danny Barrett emerged as legitimate back row options. But then many of the major overseas pros were unable to play in November, and Dolan and Barrett suffered injuries. That opened up a chance for Quill, who had recovered and was playing for Dolphin in Ireland. The result was more than Head Coach Mike Tolkin could have hoped for. Quill was outstanding in his defense and his ability to steal ball in the breakdown. He emerged as one of the few pure #7s the USA has, and it's going to be an interesting case of musical forwards to see how he fits in when everyone is healthy.


Click on images to enlarge. Mate Moeakiola packing down against New Zealand (David Barpal photo), and Taku Ngwenya against Canada in 2013 (Mike Bobis photo).

     

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