USA record for MacDonald
Friday 9 September 2011 08:00, UK
Mike MacDonald is set to break the USA appearance record after he was selected to face Ireland.
Prop to make 63rd Test appearance
Leeds prop Mike MacDonald is set to break the USA appearance record after he was selected for the World Cup opener against Ireland. McDonald, who made his international debut in 2000, will make his 63rd appearance for the Eagles to surpass Like Gross. McDonald, along with centre Paul Emerick, will also equal the US appearance record at the World Cup with the duo joining Alec Parker on eight games. Having lost their final warm-up game to Japan, coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made eight changes to his starting XV. Crucially for the Eagles, though, will be the return of influential skipper Todd Clever - who missed the 20-14 loss in Tokyo through injury. USA: 15 Blaine Scully, 14 Taku Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Andrew Suniula, 11 James Paterson, 10 Roland Suniula, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Nic Johnson, 7 Todd Clever (capt), 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 John van der Giessen, 3 Shawn Pittman, 2 Phil Thiel, 1 Mike MacDonald.Replacements: 16 Chris Biller, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Scott LaValla, 19 Pat Danahy, 20 Tim Usasz, 21 Nese Malifa, 22 Colin Hawley.
