Eagles Abroad: Weekend Preview & TV

It’s crunch time for Todd Clever and the NTT Shining Arcs as the Top League enters its final week of the regular season. The Shining Arcs are locked into the Wildcard Playoffs (teams #10-5) and currently sit in 10th. However, with a big win over Kyuden Voltex and help from some other teams, it’s possible for them to climb up into a position to host a first round match. As for the other American in Japan, Anthony Estrella and Toshiba are in the Title Playoffs but will want to win in order to avoid Suntory in the semi-finals.

In Europe, most Americans in the top flights will be in action once again while players in the second division will have some time off. Read more after the jump.



British Isles:

Aviva Premiership

Chris Wyles will start at fullback for the Saracens as they play Sale on Sunday.

Samu Manoa is on the bench for Northampton ahead of their match against Exeter on Friday.

Paul Emerick is not in the lineup for London Wasps as they play Bath on Sunday.

RaboDirect Pro12

Dave Ryan will start as Zebre play the Ospreys today. Hanno Dirksen has a long-term knee injury and will not play for the Ospreys.

Callum Black is on the bench for Ulster as they play Scarlets today.

Tommy Seymour will start for Glasgow today as they take on Benetton Treviso.

Other

Robbie Shaw and Richmond play Blaydon on Saturday.

Jason Law and Oxford are off until January 23rd.

Nate Brakeley and Cambridge are off until January 9th.

Will Magie and Leeds University play the University of Nottingham next Wednesday.

Pierce Dargan andTrinity (Dublin University) play the Belfast Harlequins on Sunday. No word yet on whether Shawn Pittman is still with the team.

France:

Top 14

Taku Ngwenya will start for Biarritz as they play Agen today.

Scott LaValla will start for Stade Francais as they play Bayonne on Saturday.

Pro D2

Roland Suniula and Auch have the weekend off.

Inaki Basauri and Tarbes have the weekend off.

Seta Tuilevuka and Beziers have the weekend off.

Federale 1

Mate Moeakiola and L’Uson have the weekend off.

Italy:

Serie A

Lou Stanfill and Vicenza have the weekend off.

Japan:

Top League

Todd Clever will start for the NTT Shining Arcs as they play Kyuden Voltex on Sunday.

Anthony Estrella and Toshiba Fuchu Brave Lupus play the Kintetsu Liners on Sunday.

Television:

Friday:
• Worcester vs. Leicester, 2:55 p.m. et/11:55 a.m. pt (live of Fox Soccer Plus)
• Ulster vs. Scarlets, 5:00 p.m. et/2:00 p.m. pt (delay on Fox Soccer Plus)

Saturday:
• Exeter vs. Northampton, 12:00 p.m. et/9:00 a.m. pt (delay on Fox Soccer Plus)
• Munster vs. Cardiff, 4:00 p.m. et/1:00 p.m. pt (delay on Fox Soccer Plus)

Sunday:
• London Wasps vs. Bath, 9:55 a.m. et/6:55 a.m. pt (live on Fox Soccer Plus)