No Surprises in US World Cup squad
Captain Chris Wyles will lead the US in Pool B where they face Japan, Samoa, Scotland, and South Africa.
The US team will feature 20 World Cup debutants.
The squad selected for the World Cup is the same as the one chosen for the three World Cup warm-up matches, which included a third-consecutive victory over Canada.
Additionally, 13 players have professional contracts overseas.
"In terms of World Cup experience, yes, this is a relatively inexperienced group," said US coach Mike Tolkin.
"However, while the World Cup is a whole different kettle-of-fish, many of these players do have a fair bit of international play under their belts since 2011."
Wyles led the US at the 2011 event in New Zealand, scoring 18 points, including all of the team’s points in a 27-10 loss to Italy.
Wyles, along with Mike Petri, Mate Moeakiola, Taku Ngwenya, and Louis Stanfill will appear in their third World Cups.
Among those making their debuts is Toulon’s Samu Manoa, who earned his first international cap in November 2010.
"It’s good that we’re operating from a base where those domestic guys went to Argentina and Uruguay and did well, got game time, then were joined by some of the professionals who added a bit more depth and professionalism to the squad," Tolkin said.
"Samu is just another layer there.
"The guys feel confident playing without him, but he brings a great deal of impact to the side.
"He’s [Samu Manoa] a great ballplayer. Samu’s been waiting to play in the World Cup for four years, so I know he’s really thrilled at the prospect," added Tolkin.
The Eagles have hosted three of their Pool B opponents – Japan, Scotland, and Samoa in the United States in 2014 and 2015.
The team will get a second chance at a victory against Samoa on September 20 in their first World Cup pool match.
US World Cup squad: Danny Barrett, Chris Baumann, Cameron Dolan, Andrew Durutalo, Zach Fenoglio, Eric Fry, Seamus Kelly, Olive Kilifi, Niku Kruger, Titi Lamositele, Scott LaValla, AJ MacGinty, Samu Manoa, Al McFarland, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Folau Niua, Thretton Palamo, Greg Peterson, Mike Petri, John Quill, Blaine Scully, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Andrew Suniula, Shalom Suniula, Joseph Taufete'e, Zack Test, Phil Thiel, Brett Thompson, Chris Wyles.
