Flanker Todd Clever will lead the Eagles in their World Cup opener © Getty Images

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USA head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named his side for their Rugby World Cup opener against Ireland in New Plymouth on Sunday.

Flanker Todd Clever will lead a side that shows a number of changes to that which was beaten 20-14 by Japan in their final World Cup warm-up clash last month. Roland Suniula will make only his second start at fly-half and his brother Andrew links up with Paul Emerick in a new-look midfield.

There is also a return for winger Taku Ngwenya while up front Shawn Pittman comes in at loose-head, John van der Giessen gets the nod at lock and Nic Johnson anchors the back-row.

In related news, the Eagles squad are set to honour the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at a church service on the morning of the game. The Eagles' media manager Dallen Stanford has confirmed the squad will attend a 10:00 service at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in New Plymouth.

The service is believed to be the first in the world to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks, due to New Zealand's proximity to the international date line, and the Rev Kim Francis expects a congregation of more than 800. "We just feel honoured. The whole church is rising to the occasion," he said.

The United States embassy to New Zealand contacted Francis three months ago to suggest a memorial service to offer people of all nationalities an opportunity to mark the anniversary of the attacks.

"This is not just a national event for the Americans, this is international. (Nearly) three thousand were killed, 70 nations were involved, more than 300 firefighters killed. My son-in-law is a firefighter, so that makes it pretty real," he said.

He confirmed that David Huebner, the US ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, and an as-yet unnamed honorary guest will attend and speak at the service.

USA: Blaine Scully; Takudzwa Ngwenya, Paul Emerick, Andrew Suniula, James Paterson; Roland Suniula, Mike Petri; Mike MacDonald, Phil Thiel, Shawn Pittman, John van der Giessen, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Todd Clever (c), Nic Johnson

Replacements: Chris Biller, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Scott LaValla, Pat Danahy, Tim Usasz, Nese Malifa, Colin Hawley