Three new Eagles for USA
The United States have made three changes to their starting XV for the World Cup Pool C match against Russia in New Plymouth on Thursday.
Hooker Phil Thiel, prop Shawn Pittman and fullback Blaine Scully all drop to the bench and are replaced by Chris Biller, Matekitonga Moeakiola and Chris Wyles respectively.
The second row partnership of John van der Giessen and Hayden Smith will start together for the 12th time in a Test match.
Only Luke Gross and Alec Parker, who played together at two World Cups, started together in the US second row more often than van der Giessen and Smith.
Prop Mike MacDonald will play his 10th World Cup match for the Americans on Thursday, equalling Parker’s record.
The Americans went down 22-10 to Ireland in their opener, while Russia will be the last of the 20 teams to enter the fray.
USA: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Andrew Suniula, 11 James Paterson, 10 Roland Suniula, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Nic Johnson, 7 Todd Clever (captain), 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 John van der Giessen, 3 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 2 Chris Biller, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Phil Thiel, 17 Shawn Pittman, 18 Scott LaValla, 19 Pat Danahy, 20 Tim Usasz, 21 Nese Malifa, 22 Blaine Scully.
Date: Thursday, September 15
Venue: Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth
Kick-off: 19.30 (07.30 GMT)
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Carlo Damasco (Italy)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
AFP
