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.

It doesn’t help anyone that the Eagles (and everyone else in the Pacific Nations Cup) had to fly from the West Coast to Toronto on Friday and then recover in time to play on Wednesday, and then fly back West to British Columbia after that game to play on Monday.

So in the interests of resting players, he’s made changes. Cam Dolan doesn’t get a rest - he gets his third start, the only Eagle to do so. Conversely, Chris Baumann gets his first cap ever ,  Al McFarland gets his first start ever, and every back save Shalom Suniula starts for the first time this year.

This isn’t all about resting guys who have played most of the last two days. Having established that AJ MacGinty can play flyhalf at this level, it’s time to find out what more can be done at flyhalf. Toby L’Estrange is of course the other main option in the #10 jersey, and this is his big chance. 

The center pairing of Andrew Suniula and Folau Niua isn’t exactly a couple of newbs in there. Brett Thompson is an experienced player at wing, although with only two caps, and Troy is a smart and savvy player. Zack Test is, too, but still considered a 7s player, he has much to prove. (Note also Tim Stanfill is now in the squad, and it would be nice to see him get some time.)

Up front, Mate Moeakiola and Phil Thiel have been around for a while. Lou Stanfill has 53 caps, and Greg Peterson is a seasoned pro. In the back row, Scott LaValla has over 30 caps and Cam Dolan isn’t exactly a rookie. So the only major question-marks are Chris Baumann and Al McFarland. McFarland showed as a sub against Japan that he understands some of the things he needs to do at the international level. Baumann, of course, played for the USA Selects, but this is his big chance, right now.

So the questions are:

Is Toby L’Estrange ready to be the backup flyhalf and even challenge to be #1?

Can Chris Baumann scrummage at the international level?

Was Al McFarland’s strong few minutes against Japan a harbinger?

Do we have a goalkicker in Folau Niua?

How good are the wings?

Can all of these guys work together to beat Tonga?

My answers? 

Yes.

Maybe but Tonga may not be the best test.

Yes.

No, the backup goalkicker is Chris Wyles.

Good enough - there's a good battle in that position.

Of course.