Extra Eagles on Johnson's bench
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:05
United State Eagles coach Scott Johnson has named a virtually unchanged and an expanded bench for his team's Challenge Cup encounter with Heineken Cup champions Munster at Rentschler Field, East Hartford, on Saturday.
Both coaches agreed to playing the match with open replacement benches, allowing each team to named 26 players, instead of the usual 22.
"Munster actually came to us and asked if we could use this format and we were happy to oblige," Johnson said.
"Being able to play 26 players will give us a chance to see some people we otherwise would not have seen," the Eales head coach added.
He said their are looking to make a step up from their encounter with French club Clermont Auvergne earlier this month.
"We are really looking to play with the same competitive edge as we did with Clermont and we need to keep the energy level up and compete throughout the entire match," Johnson added.
"Munster is a very, very tough and uncompromising side. They may be one of the most combative sides in Europe. They are proud men who play traditional rugby. It's going to be physical and that's exactly what I want. The scoreboard will look after itself, what I am looking for is tough competition throughout the entire match."
United States: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Tyrone Coppedge, 13 Alipate Tuilevuka, 12 Albert Tuipulotu, 11 Justin Boyd, 10 Valenese Malifa, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Pat Quinn, 7 Kevin Sheahan, 6 Todd Clever (captain), 5 John Van der Giessen, 4 Louis Stanfill, 3 Brian Lemay, 2 Mark Crick, 1 Matekitonga Moeakiola.
Replacements - from: Joe Welch, Owen Lentz, Ben Barclay, Rikus Pretorius, Ben Wiedemer, Casey Rock, Hayden Smith, Robbie Shaw, Gary Golding, Blaine Scully, Hanno Dirksen.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Venue: Rentschler Field, East Hartford
Kick-off: 15.00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee:
Andrew Small (England)
Touch judges: Jem McDowall (USA), Davey Ardrey (USA)
