Rugby World Cup 2011
USA ring the changes
ESPNscrum Staff
September 21, 2011
USA head coach Eddie O'sullivan at the World Cup rugby warm-up match against Japan, Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Tokyo, August 21, 2011
USA coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made 14 changes for Friday's game against Australia © Getty Images
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USA coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made wholesale changes to his starting line-up, with 14 changes for the Pool C encounter with Australia in Wellington on Friday.

With USA keeping an eye on the fixture against Italy next Tuesday, the only player to be retained by O'Sullivan is Saracens second row Hayden Smith, who keeps his berth in the Eagles side following the hard-fought 13-6 victory over Russia in their second pool game.

Captaincy duties will fall to Nottingham scrum-half Tim Usasz will lead the makeshift side, with Brian McClenahan also handed his chance off the bench.

USA: Blaine, Scully, Colin Hawley, Tai Enosa, Junior Sifa, Kevin Swiryn, Nese Malifa; Tim Usasz (capt), Shawn Pittman, Phil Thiel, Eric Fry, Scott LaValla, Hayden Smith, Inaki Basauri, Pat Danahy, JJ Gagiano

Replacements: Brian McClenahan, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Louis Stanfill, Nic Johnson, Mike Petri, Roland Suniula, Chris Wyles

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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