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Subscribe to RSS FeedGross`s wings still clipped
Same again for the soaring Eagles
United States veteran lock forward Luke Gross remains sidelined as his team-mates prepare for their World Cup Pool A match against Tonga at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier on Wednesday.
Gross was a late withdrawal from the team that put up a brave display before going down 10-28 to World Cup holders England in the opening round at the weekend.
The back injury that keeps Gross sidelined means that US Eagles head coach Peter Thorburn has named an unchanged starting XV - compared to the one that started against England - for the encounter with Tonga.
The only possible change could be in midfield, with outside centre Paul Emerick facing a disciplinary hearing in the next couple of days, after being cited for a spear tackle on England fly-half Olly Barkley.
Thorburn, who was encouraged by his team's first-up performance against England, said they are positive about getting their first win at this year's tournament.
"We knew we had to get off to a good start to the World Cup. We set ourselves goals and three tries to one was very satisfactory," he said about the loss to England.
"We don't often get chances to test ourselves against teams like that. We were under pressure but coped well. We spoilt their line-outs well and that's what the game is all about."
The Tongan match represents the American Eagles' best hope of claiming their third win in their fifth World Cup, after earlier wins over Japan (1987) and (2003).
Gross was also in a positive mood, despite again being sidelined
"Look at our tight five. Do you even know who these guys are?" Gross said.
"Number one plays for Leeds, number two is an art teacher, number three is an IT resource manager, number four is a rancher and number five is a roofer.
"And we played a full game against professionals and one of the best teams in the world - and played well with an opportunity to win. I'm so proud of our guys."
It will also be a special occasion for the Eagles' Tongan-born prop Matekitonga Moeakiola, who is set to get some game time off the replacement bench against his homeland.
"I began to play rugby in Tonga, that was my country before I came to the United States to study. It's going to be hard, I have a lot of friends playing with Tonga. It is a challenge trying to beat them," he said.
"We have a really good chance to beat Tonga. We can do it.
"Tonga have a physical side. We are in better shape than Tonga. We should open up our game and make them run."
United States: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Salesi Sika, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Vahafolau Esikia, 11 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 10 Mike Hercus (c), 9 Chad Erskine, 8 Henry Bloomfield, 7 Todd Clever, 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Mike Mangan, 4 Alec Parker, 3 Chris Osentowski, 2 Owen Lentz, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Blake Burdette, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Hayden Mexted, 19 Inaki Basauri, 20 Mike Petri, 21 Valenese Malifa, 22 Albert Tuipulotu.
Date: Wednesday, 12 September
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Touch judges: Craig Joubert, Christophe Berdos
Television match official: Mark Lawrence
Assessor: Bob Francis
