Eagles ring changes for Tonga clash
USA Eagles coach Eddie O’Sullivan has rung the changes for his sides Churchill Cup clash with Tonga, who are making their first appearance in the tournament, on Wednesday.
Only wing Colin Hawley and try-scoring lock Scott Lavalla are retained for the Eagles from the side that went down 87-8 to the England Saxons on Saturday.
There is a new halfback combination in Tim Usaz and Nese Malifa and Sevens player Paul Emerick – who also played in the 2007 World Cup, is brought in at centre. Eagles captain Todd Clever returns to the starting line-up after sitting out against the Saxons while former captain Mike Petri moves to the bench.
Tonga Head Coach Isitolo Maka has named Perpignan tighthead prop Kisi Pulu as captain of the team that will do duty in their debut Churchill Cup match.
The teams:
Tonga: 15 M.Malupo, 14 V.Helu, 13 S.Hufanga, 12 E. Siua, 11 V. Iongi, 10 K. Mortath, 9 S. Havea, 8 V.Ma’Afu, 7 P.Koloamatangi, 6 P.Mapakaitolo, 5 E.Kauhenga, 4 S.Timani, 3 K. Pulu, 2 I. Ma’Asi, 1 T. Lea’Aetoa.
Replacements: 16 A.Halangahu, 17 O.Fainga’Anuku, 18 J.Afu, 19 P.Kaho, 20 D.Mrath, 21 E.Paea, 22 S.Taumoepeau.
USA : 15 R.Suniula, 14 C. Hawley, 13 P.Emerick, 12 A.Suniula, 11 K.Swiryn; 10 N.Malifa, 9 T.Usasz, 8 N. Johnson, 7 T.Clever (captain), 6 I. Basauri, 5 S. Lavalla, 4 L. Stanfill, 3 S. Pittman, 2 C. Biller, 1 M. Moeakiola.
Replacements: 16 P.Thiel, 17 E.Fry, 18 J.Van Der Giessen, 19 P.Danahy, 20 M.Petri, 21 T.Enosa, 22 T.Hall.
Date: Wednesday, June 8
Venue: Esher RFC, Hersham
Kick-off: 17.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
