Speedster Ngwenya back for Eagles
Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:57
United States of America (USA) Eagles head coach Scott Johnson has made some long-awaited adjustments to his team lineup set to take on Ireland A in the second round of the Churchill Cup in Kingston on Wednesday.
With the arrival of the rest of the US players as late as Tuesday from their overseas clubs, Johnson finally has a complete squad and will use the newcomers in the upcoming match against Ireland A.
"Between the short turnaround and the need to see different players and what they can do, we have a pretty different squad set to take on Ireland," Johnson said.
"We did try to keep a few combinations for continuity, but I'm still exploring what's in the squad so I can see who has the talent and the ability to adapt to the new law changes.
"It's nice to have the entire squad finally arrive. It definitely broadens the base and allows for more competition for spots. The more competition, the better off the team is," he added.
Considering 2007 World Cup players Takudzwa Ngwenya and Salesi Sika have both just arrived from their clubs in France, they will join the roster as wings. Ngwenya will find his place waiting at No. 14, while Justin Boyd will start at No. 11, and Sika will most likely be utilized as a sub at 22.
Other changes include Kort Schubert at eighthman, Brian Doyle starting at lock, Vaha Esikia starting as the inside center, and Jon Vitale on the roster as a prop replacement.
USA Eagles: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12. Vaha Esikia, 11 Justin Boyd, 10 Mike Hercus, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Kort Schubert, 7 Jason Lett, 6 Todd Clever (captain), 5 Brian Doyle, 4 Ben Wiedemer, 3 Mate Moeakiola, 2 Mark Crick, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Mone Laulaupeaalu, 17 Jon Vitale, 18 Mark Aylor, 19 Louis Stanfill, 20 Robbie Shaw, 21 Valanese Malifa, 22 Salesi Sika.
Date:
Wednesday, June 11
Venue: Richardson stadium, Kingston
Kick-off: 19.05 (23.05 GMT)
Referee: Federico Cuesta (Argentina)
Touch judges: Andrew McPherson (Scotland), Mark Newton (Canada)
