The USA has named an experienced
squad for the World Cup Sevens in Argentina at the end of the month.

Veterans such as legendary Eagle Vaea Anitoni make up most of the 10-man squad, with only a couple of newcomers.

"We went into our trials camps with an open mind, and these were the players who most warranted selection," said coach Tommy Smith. "We picked the best available team, plain and simple, so their level of experience is almost a bonus. Certainly it will be an asset. We'll need to keep our cool in a pressure cooker environment."

Helping the Eagles maintain their composure will be technical advisor
John McKittrick who has coached New Zealand's North Harbour 7s team to consecutive national championships, and also coached the New Zealand Barbarians. Together with Smith, he has led two weekend trials camps to select the World Cup squad.

McKittrick, recognized as a leading 7s specialist, also helped a lowly-ranked Cook Islands team claim a berth in the World Cup, but will work exclusively with the USA in Argentina where the Eagles will face Australia, Hong Kong, Portugal, Samoa and Wales in pool play.

The coaching staff don't have the luxury of extensive preparation time with their team, but it is a veteran outfit. Anitoni, who will be at flyhalf for the tournament, is the United States' most capped international in XVs and has a 7s history dating back to Hong Kong in 1994.

Similarly, center Malakai Delai, from San Diego's OMBAC, was the USA's leading try-scorer at the last RWC7s, while prop Don Younger (Indiana) has been a regular with the national 7s side since 1997. Wing Jason Raven (Riverside) has also been to South America three times to play 7s with the Eagles, including last year's RWC
qualifiers.

Even relative newcomers to the national 7s roster, bring a good deal of maturity to the team. Life College's Chip Curtis will line-up at center for the Eagles 7s side after three seasons of international XVs. Likewise prop Dave Disorbo (OMBAC)has a long domestic 7s career.

At the other end of the spectrum is prop Alex Magleby who is new to
international rugby, but played his way into the test against Wales in November. Likewise, winger Jovesa Naivalu joined the national team for the first time last year.

USA: Vaea Anitoni, Chip Curtis, Malakai Delai, Dave Disorbo, Dave Hodges, Nelo Lui, Alexander Magleby, Jovesa Naivalu, Jason Raven, Don Younger. Coach: Tommy Smith. Technical Advisor: John McKittrick. Physiotherapist: Jeff Ward