The Eagles have named their starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Samoa on Sunday. There are few surprises in the team with the line-up nearly identical to the one that took on Australia earlier in the month. The only change is a healthy Hayden Smith joining Greg Peterson in the locks pushing Cam Dolan to the bench. Chris Wyles will of course captain the side but he'll do it from the wing with Blaine Scully at fullback. Taku Ngwenya will be the other wings.
Thretton Palamo and Seamus Kelly will be the centers with Mike Petri and AJ MacGinty manning their usual scrumhalf and fly-half positions. Al McFarland, Andrew Durutalo, and Samu Manoa will be the back-row while Eric fry, Zach Fenoglio, and Titi Lamositele are the front-row.
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There are a few mild surprises on the bench. Phil Thiel, Ollie Kilifi, and Chris Baumann represent the replacements on the front-row. Baumann's inclusion is the only mild surprise over a player like Mate Moeakiola. Dolan and Danny Barrett are the other forward reserves. The team will be using three back replacements this go around with Shalom Suniula, Folau Niua, and Brett Thompson all available.
Samoa have likewise named their strongest line-up with the likes of Jack Lam, Kahn Fotauli'i, and Alesana Tuilagi starting.
USA
Forwards: Eric Fry, Zach Fenoglio, Titi Lamositele, Hayden Smith, Greg Peterson, Al McFarland, Andrew Durutalo, Samu Manoa
Backs: Mike Petri, AJ MacGinty, Chris Wyles, Thretton Palamo, Seamus Kelly, Taku Ngwenya, Blaine Scully
Bench: Phil Thiel, Ollie Kilifi, Chris Baumann, Cam Dolan, Danny Barrett, Shalom Suniula, Folau Niua, Brett Thompson
Samoa
Forwards: Zak Taulafo, Ole Avei, Anthony Perenise, Filo Paulo, Joe Tekori, Maurie Fa'asavalu, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus
Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i, Tusi Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Rey Lee-Lo, Paul Perez, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai-Williams
Bench: Viliamu Afatia, Motu Matu'u, Census Johnson, Faifili Levave, Alafoti Faosilivia, Vavao Afemai, Mike Stanley, Fa'atoina Autagavaia