The Wallabies will be up against a familiar face when they run out to take on the United States at Soldier Field with former Waratahs lock Greg Peterson earning a start in the Eagles pack.

Peterson played just the one Super Rugby game but was a former Australian Schools representative and a regular fixture in the Manly first-grade side in Sydney's Shute Shield. But after a few seasons on the fringes of the Waratahs, Peterson knew it was time for a change and opted for a switch to the Eagles; an option that was on offer because of his American parents.

Fast forward two years and he now finds himself lining up against many former team-mates in a gold jersey he once had designs on himself.

"Yeah, definitely, playing against the country that I was born and raised in; there is a lot of excitement," Peterson said. "I know the majority of the players, I know of them and stuff; you grow up watching and playing with them and stuff like that. I'm maybe a bit nervous but that nervousness breeds excitement and excitement hopefully breeds a good performance."

Knowing he was at the crossroads in his professional rugby career, Peterson said he was thankful the Eagles' offer was there.

"Yeah it started back in 2013 when I sat down with the manager Tristan; we just sat down and discussed what the Eagles were up to, what type of team they were and how they had everything set up," he said. "t sounded exactly like any other team I'd ever heard of which was beautiful, and when nothing else came about in Sydney I took a gamble and they gave me an opportunity.

"You put all your eggs in one basket and sometimes it doesn't come off but this time it definitely did. So I'm very happy."

While this weekend's Test against the Wallabies will be a special occasion, the chance to play at a Rugby World Cup is an even greater carrot. The Eagles have only registered a handful of victories at the game's global showpiece but Peterson said the 2015 tournament would be different due to the team's extended preparation.

"I think a very good performance," Peterson replied when asked what the USA fans could expect at the World Cup. "We've had a long time together with the PNC (Pacific Nations Cup) and then the three weeks prior to this and that's the most time that I believe the Eagles have spent together. And the longer the team is together the better we perform; so hopefully that rolls into the World Cup."

ESPN is proud to announce an exclusive 1-hour special - Chieka's Wallabies: Hope of a Nation - premiering on ESPN Weds Sept 9 at 9pm AEST (11pm NZ). ESPNscrum's leading rugby expert Greg Growden goes one-on-on with the Wallabies coach in this exclusive special that gives a rare insight into the intriguing personality of Australia's head coach.

Greg Peterson will line up against many of his former Waratahs team-mates this weekend © Getty Images

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