In the backs, there's only one uncapped player listed, and he made this list last year. But there are plenty of new forwards. Hookers Dan Anderson, Brett Fullerton, and Jason Wood (who toured with the Eagles as a prop) played well; hard-working prop Kelly Bellue is joined by Brent Heinz and Andy McGarry on the list. Capped props Tim Kluempers and John McBride led the victorious West outfit, and Pacific Coast's Paul Still also made the list.

The locks are Greg Alley and P.J. Sheridan, and loose forwards John Tardoff, John Burke (who may be playing in Australia soon), and Ben Oakes also turned heads. In the backs, the only uncapped player to make an impact was Karl Thompson at center. Playing for SF Golden Gate, Thompson was tagged at fullback last year.

"There's good news and bad news for the newcomers," noted coach Hall. "They've shown promise, but now we're asking them to train harder than ever before."

The squad members have received National Team work-out programs which, together with good form in club competition this Spring, will bolster their chances of future selection to the USA's team, Hall added.

Here's the list (capped players asterisked). Among them are three Combined Services players. Now that rugby is a varsity sport for the armed forces, the academies and the services will, I believe, become a major source of talent.

Hooker: Dan Anderson (Chicago Griffins), Bret Fullerton (Tempe), Jason Wood (OMBAC); Prop: Kelly Bellue (Kern County), Brent Heinz (Midwest), Tim Kluempers* (KC Blues), John McBride* (St. Louis Bombers), Andy McGarry (Chicago Lions), Paul Still* (SFGG); Lock: Greg Alley (Belmont Shore), PJ Sheridan (Springfield); Loose Forward: John Tardoff (West), John Burke* (West Side Condors), Ben Oakes (Armed Forces). Scrumhalf: Mose Timoteo* (Old Blue Griffins); Flyhalf: Grant Wells* (SFGG), Link Wilfley* (Wests, Brisbane); Center: Philip Eloff* (Chicago Lions), Karl Thomson (SFGG); Wing: Chip Curtis* (Life University), Malakai Delai* (OMBAC).

Is this it? Twenty-one players, only 11 of which are uncapped? No, there are other good young players on the horizon, and they haven't been shut out simply by not making this NASC list. Some are not on the Eagle radar yet because they are a little young and need time, still others because they are not eligible ... yet. Here's a look at some names to watch:

Chris Alberts, Life University. Already an U-19 Eagle and South all-star, this fullback is a classy player with plenty of skill.

Kevin Boyer, University of Colorado. A 6-4 loose forward and captain of the U-19 team, he is a big, tough horse.

Adam Brumm, Ponsonby. Former captain of UC Santa Cruz, this hooker is motivated, to say the least.

John Buchholz, University of California. Cal has plenty of big names, this four-year fullback is a star.

Cash Carlos, Western Washington University/Valley Kangaroos. Carlos has used rugby to help him through some tough times, and the game has rewarded this wing.

Blair Cashmore. Right, of those Cashmores. Deemed too old for the New Zealand system, the 25-year-old center is skilled and quick, and may pan out as a wing for the Eagles (he’s only 195 pounds). Has stated his commitment to OMBAC and making the Eagles, for which he'll be eligible in a year or two.

Chris Conklin. This OMBAC tighthead is big, strong, and aggressive, and should be back from a knee injury for this season.

Justin Flagg. A former Cal linebacker looking to solidify himself as a flanker for Olympic.

Ryan Fried. This Olympic center was on the Eagle squad vs. Canada, but there are some injury questions.

Conrad Hodgson. OMBAC’s captain, Hodgson is a 22-year-old loose forward who is big, fast, and very talented. Played provincial U-20 rugby in South Africa, he is awaiting permanent visa status.

Kansas City Blues trio Eric Masterson, FB, Vince Pasterino, SH, and Seva Tali, Fl. They are young and talented and are continuing to gain experience at the all-star level.

Kyle Khasigian, University of California. Just a freshman at Cal, the younger brother of Eagle hooker Kirk is a skilled and hard-tackling flyhalf, but needs to keep his brain in focus for a full 80 minutes.

Mike MacDonald, University of California. Capped at prop at 19, he is exactly what Duncan Hall wants — a young, strong player who he can mold.

Dominic Mara, Fairfield H.S. The USA U-19 captain and fullback, he is a tremendously skilled player who can also play scrumhalf. His biggest problem right now is size. He doesn't really have to be tall, but he could stand to put on 25 pounds.

Tyler Pierce, Sacramento State. An U-19 USA flanker likened to Kort Schubert, which isn't a bad thing.

Mike "Tree" Roy. Boston’s 6-9 second row has been a Northeast all-star for some years now. He has the mobility to step in at loose forward, and has played in Australia as well as the U.S.

Siope Tausinga, Burbank High School, California. A 234-lb center who impressed Duncan Hall while playing for the U-19 Eagles, Tausinga is a tough runner with good hands.

Fleming Trane, Aspen. Every time I talked to the Aspen leaders about their championship run in 2000, this flanker's name came up.

Taki Uluilakepa and Craig Sim. Both centers for Old Puget Sound, they are or will very soon be eligible for the Eagles. Uluilakepa, a US Citizen, is an excellent defender, and Sim has very good hands and was a hair's breadth from making the Eagle World Cup 7s squad.

Tevita Veetutu. Another OPSB player, and a U.S. citizen, he can play prop or hooker.

Marc Vera. A former Cal gridiron player and now wing for Olympic, Vera is gaining experience.

Kevin Witcher. Formerly of Ponsonby, he's a loose forward with potential.