United States v Russia, Rugby World Cup, September 15
O'Sullivan names side for Russian test
ESPNscrum Staff
September 13, 2011
USA's Taku Ngwenya watches on, Ireland v USA Eagles, Rugby World Cup, New Plymouth, New Zealand, September 11, 2011
Taku Ngwenya will be hoping he gets more opportunites to show off his blistering pace against Russia © Getty Images
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United States head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made just three changes to his starting line-up for Thursday's Rugby World Cup clash with Russia in New Plymouth.

Despite the fact that the Americans only kicked off their campaign on Sunday, O'Sullivan has resisted the temptation to rest players and has stuck with the majority of those who performed so impressively in defeat to Ireland.

Indeed, there is just one change to the back-line, with Chris Wyles taking over at fullback from Blaine Scully, who drops to the bench. In the pack, meanwhile, Chris Biller gets the nod at hooker ahead of Phil Tiel and Matekitonga Moeakiola is preferred to Shawn Pittman at tight-head prop.

USA: Chris Wyles; Takudzwa Ngwenya, Paul Emerick, Andrew Suniula, James Paterson; Roland Suniula, Mike Petri; Mike MacDonald, Chris Biller, Matekitonga Moeakiola; John van der Giessen, Hayden Smith; Louis Stanfill, Todd Clever (capt), Nic Johnson.

Replacements: Phil Thiel, Shawn Pittman, Scott LaValla, Pat Danahy, Tim Usasz, Nese Malifa, Blaine Scully.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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