United States make 12 changes for World Cup clash with South Africa
Monday 5 October 2015 13:50, UK
United States coach Mike Tolkin has made 12 changes for his side's third World Cup Pool B game against South Africa on Wednesday.
Only prop Phil Thiel, No 8 Samu Manoa and full-back Blaine Scully have retained their places in the starting line-up from the team beaten 39-16 by Scotland.
Seven of the matchday 23 at London's Olympic Stadium will feature in the tournament for the first time.
USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville had set the Eagles a benchmark goal of winning at least one of their four pool games.
Following defeats to Samoa and Scotland, the USA will be heavy underdogs against the Springboks before wrapping up their campaign on October 11 against Japan.
United States: 15 Blaine Scully, 14 Brett Thompson, 13 Folau Niua, 12 Andrew Suniula, 11 Zach Test, 10 Shalom Suniula, 9 Niku Kruger; 1 Oli Kilifi, 2 Phil Thiel, 3 Chris Baumann, 4 Louis Stanfill, 5 Matthew Trouville, 6 Danny Barrett, 7 John Quill, 8 Samu Manoa (capt).
Replacements: 16 Joe Taufetee, 17 Zach Fenoglio, 18 Mate Moeakiola, 19 Titi Lamositele, 20 Cam Dolan, 21 Al McFarland, 22 Mike Petri, 23 Chris Wyles.
