There were no surprises when the 31-man United States of America (USA Eagles) squad for the Rugby World Cup in England was announced on Tuesday.
Captain Chris Wyles will lead the USA in Pool B where they face Japan, Samoa, Scotland, and South Africa.
The USA team will feature 20 Rugby World Cup debutants.
The squad selected for the Rugby World Cup is the same as the 1 chosen for the 3 World Cup warm-up matches, which included a 3rd-consecutive victory over Canada.
Additionally, 13 players have professional contracts overseas.
“In terms of World Cup experience, yes, this is a relatively inexperienced group,” said USA coach Mike Tolkin.
“However, while the 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.”
Wyles led the USA at the 2011 event in New Zealand, scoring 18 points, including all of the team’s points in a 27 / 10 loss to Italy.
Wyles, along with Mike Petri, Mate Moeakiola, Taku Ngwenya, and Louis Stanfill will appear in their 3rd Rugby World Cups.
Among those making their debuts is Toulon’s Samu Manoa, who earned his 1st international cap in November 2010.
“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.
“Samu is just another layer there.
“The guys feel confident playing without him, but he brings a great deal of impact to the side.
“He’s a great ballplayer. Samu’s been waiting to play in the World Cup for 4 years, so I know he’s really thrilled at the prospect,” added Tolkin.
The Eagles have hosted 3 of their Pool B opponents – Japan, Scotland, and Samoa in the United States in 2014 and 2015.
The team will get a 2nd chance at a victory against Samoa on 20 September in their 1st Rugby World Cup pool match.
USA Eagles Rugby World Cup squad: Danny Barrett, Chris Baumann, Cameron Dolan, Andrew Durutalo, Zach Fenoglio, Eric Fry, Seamus Kelly, Olive Kilifi, Niku Kruger, Titi Lamositele, Scott LaValla, AJ MacGinty, Samu Manoa, Al McFarland, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Folau Niua, Thretton Palamo, Greg Peterson, Mike Petri, John Quill, Blaine Scully, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Andrew Suniula, Shalom Suniula, Joseph Taufete’e, Zack Test, Phil Thiel, Brett Thompson, Chris Wyles.