New Zealand
SBW to start against USA Eagles
ESPN Staff
October 26, 2014
Sonny Bill is expected to start against the USA Eagles © Getty Images
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Sonny Bill Williams is expected to make his return to the All Blacks starting line-up when the All Blacks take on the United States in Chicago next week. Following a two-year stint with the Roosters in the NRL, Williams is expected to avoid the bench and make his return in the No. 12 jersey at a sold-out Soldier Field.

Aaron Cruden is also expected to make his return to the starting line-up ahead of Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter. It will be Cruden's first appearance since his two-week suspension after a drunken night out resulted in the fly-half missing the team flight to Argentina a month ago.

While Carter could be included on the bench to make his return to international rugby after 11-months out of the All Blacks squad depending on his recovery from a leg injury that has kept him sidelined since the Super Rugby grand final in July.

Several experienced players are expected to be rested after a long international Test series, including Conrad Smith, Richie McCaw and Aaron Smith, giving several rookie's their chance to make their starting debuts, with TJ Perenara, Patrick Tuipolutu and Nathan Harris ready to impress.

The All Blacks open their end-of-year tour with a history making Test against the USA Eagles before they take on England, Scotland and Wales.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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