The USA face Samoa in Brighton on Sunday hoping that a not-so secret weapon can help power them to a crucial opening Rugby World Cup victory.

Samoa were the victors the last time the two sides met - during the summer's Pacific Nations Cup - but the Eagles were without one of their most potent players, Samu Manoa.

Toulon-bound No.8 Manoa is a talisman for coach Mike Tolkin's men on and off the pitch, and it is hoped his physicality and composure can help the Americans avoid letting their opponents build an imposing lead - as they did in San Jose.

"It's not necessarily just about him showing up on game day," fullback Blaine Scully told ESPN. "It's what he brings to us culturally as a team in training, day in, day out.

"He's a really good teammate, he's a great guy, I have a huge amount of respect for Samu, as every single player and staff member on this team does. And he's a pretty special talent and it's good to have that guy on your team."

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Manoa turned himself into one of the most sought-after back row forwards in world rugby during a four-year spell with Northampton Saints in the Premiership.

Being able to call on someone of his quality would benefit most teams in the tournament, but Tolkin believes his absence from the PNC may also have aided the wider squad.

He said: "Not having him for the summer was valuable for us because it taught our guys and allowed them to play and gain confidence without the big dog there. 'Hey, we can win games, it's not one person it's all of us'.

"He just adds more depth and another great piece. But having him there, obviously guys rally around him and he's a big presence. It'll definitely help the cause."

The Eagles are far from being a one-man team, though. Despite losing Scott LaValla to injury on the eve of the World Cup, Manoa is one of 12 players in Tolkin's squad who currently play in Europe.

Alongside captain Chris Wyles and Scully he is part of a trusted group of senior players, whose experience has been vital in bonding the party together.

"I think with those guys the biggest thing is composure," Tolkin added. "For us we have athletes, we have guys who've gotten some good international experience under their belts but composure is an ingredient that is slowly coming to us and it's so important and Wilesy and Scully and Samu will bring composure onto the field.

"If sh*ts hitting the fan they are calm, if we're getting up on our front foot there's a calmness about it, not a frantic-ness. So, that type of leadership is really important."