Eddie O’Sullivan makes 14 changes in USA Eagles’ squad to face Australia - Rugby News
Eddie O’Sullivan, the head coach of the United States, has given his side a new look following their win over Russia. O’Sullivan has made 14 changes in his side to meet the Wallabies in their next encounter of Rugby World Cup 2011 on September 24 in Wellington.
Hayden Smith is the only player on the Eagles’ side to start the next game in his original place and the rest of the players will be assigned new roles. O’Sullivan declared the changes fair and the need of the hour on September 21.
United States have been placed in Pool C in the ongoing Rugby World Cup and they are currently at number three in their group after playing two games. They lost their first match of the global event to Ireland by 22-10 on September 11. However, they bounced
back in the tournament with a victory over Russia.
Russia took an early lead against the Eagles with a penalty goal but lost the momentum afterwards. The United States coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, was not happy with his teams’ effort against the rusty Russians and made wholesale changes to face the tough Wallabies
side.
Talking to reporters about the huge changes, O’Sullivan said that, “There's quite a few changes. It's a fairly mixed bag. But the guys are bringing lots of energy. We're not throwing a bunch of rookies in there. There are a lot of guys who were close to
starting against Ireland and against Russia. We'll have to keep our heads, keep the tempo and stick with it.”
United States has formed the following line ups to face one of the best sides of the world on September 24 in Wellington:
USA: 15 Blaine Scully, 14 Colin Hawley, 13 Tai Enosa, 12 Junior Sifa, 11 Kevin Swiryn, 10 Nese Malifa, 9 Tim Usasz (capt), 8 JJ Gagiano, 7 Pat Danahy, 6 Inaki Basauri, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 Scott LaValla, 3 Eric Fry, 2 Phil Thiel, 1 Shawn Pittman.
Replacements: 16 Brian McClenahan, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Louis Stanfill, 19 Nic Johnson, 20 Mike Petri, 21 Roland Suniula, 22 Chris Wyles.
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