By Matt Findlay

With 20 debutants named in a 31-man squad, USA coach Mike Tolkin maintained faith in the squad which lost Rugby World Cup (RWC) warm-up matches to Canada, and English Premiership side Harlequins.

However there is quite a bit of experience, RWC experience in fact, to somewhat offset the rawness of the debutants in skipper Chris Wyles, Mike Petri, Mate Moeakiola, Takudzwa Ngwenya and Louis Stanfill, all of whom return for their third tournament.

“In terms of Rugby World Cup experience, yes, this is a relatively inexperienced group,” Tolkin told USA Rugby.

“However, while the Rugby World Cup is a whole different kettle of fish, many of these players do have a fair bit of international play under their belts since 2011.”

Giving Tolkin some presence of mind is the fact Chris Baumann, Zach Fenoglio, Seamus Kelly, Olive Kilifi, Niku Kruger, Al McFarland, AJ MacGinty, John Quill, Stanfill, Shalom Suniula, and Phil Thiel all got more time in Eagles’ colours during a three-match tour of South America in the lead up to the RWC.

“It’s good that we’re operating from a base where those domestic guys went to Argentina and Uruguay and did well, got game time, then were joined by some of the professionals who added a bit more depth and professionalism to the squad,” Tolkin said

The Eagles face the tough task of overcoming Scotland, Samoa and Japan in their bid to progress to the quarter-finals, but have the advantage of facing South Africa in their last pool B fixture – by then the USA will know what is or isn’t needed against the Springboks.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Samu Manoa (utility forward)

Manoa was unfortunate to miss RWC 2011, and looks set to make up for lost time in the 2015 edition.

A veteran of 122 caps with the Northampton Saints, the now Toulon-based second or back-rower has a wealth of experience, and Tolkin said he brings a new confidence to the Eagles.

Incredibly strong with ball-in-hand, Manoa has surprising ball skills for a big man, and will provide the USA with plenty of punch through the middle third of the field.

In an ominous message for the Eagles opponents, Tolkin said this of the six foot seven, 122kg wrecking ball; “Samu’s been waiting to play in the World Cup for four years.”

SQUAD

Forwards: Danny Barrett, Chris Baumann, Cameron Dolan, Andrew Durutalo, Zach Fenoglio, Eric Fry, Olive Kilifi, Titi Lamositele, Scott LaValla, Samu Manoa, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Al McFarland, Greg Peterson, John Quill, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Joseph Taufete’e, Phil Thiel.

Backs: Seamus Kelly, Niku Kruger, AJ MacGinty, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Folau Niua, Thretton Palamo, Mike Petri, Blaine Scully, Andrew Suniula, Shalom Suniula, Zack Test, Brett Thompson, Chris Wyles (captain).

FIXTURES

Sunday, September 20: vs Samoa; Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton; 12pm

Wednesday, September 23: vs Japan; Kingsholm, Gloucester; 2.30pm

Sunday, September 27: vs Scotland; Elland Road, Leeds; 2.30pm

Wednesday, October 7: vs USA; The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London; 4.45pm