Johnson's balancing act in Chicago
Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:13
United States head coach Scott Johnson has produced a fine 'balancing act' in naming his starting lineup for the Eagles' final match at the Churchill Cup tournament, when they face Canada in an encounter in Chicago on Saturday that carrier full Test status.
There are very few surprises in the starting 15, as it remains similar to what they have used in the last couple games of the Churchill Cup tournament.
In the backline Gavin DeBartolo returns at wing after a strong week of training and Salesi Sika starts at inside centre - providing Johnson another look at both players.
In the pack, Johnson has also selected John van der Giessen and Ben Wiedemer to start at lock for their first international caps.
"I'm not announcing the seven reserves until tomorrow [Saturday]," Johnson explained.
"I need to watch these guys a bit more. Since this is a full Test match, it is really important to look at their depth and how they fit into different positions.
"I'm balancing the fact that I still want to see what players can do and where they fit the best, with the fact that it is a Test match and I want to see the best team out on the field.
"In terms of the team's development – we have definitely seen a few things improve," he added.
"But we're at base camp right now. There's still a long way to the top. It takes a while to develop new skills. However, the will is the one thing that hasn't changed in these guys, and if they have the will, the skills will follow."
United States: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Salesi Sika, 11 Gavin DeBartolo, 10 Mike Hercus, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Kort Schubert, 7 Jason Lett, 6 Todd Clever (captain), 5 John Van der Giessen, 4 Ben Wiedemer, 3 Mate Moeakiola, 2 Mark Crick, 1 Mike MacDonald. Replacements: 16 Mone Laulaupeaalu, 17 Chad Slaby, 18 Brian Doyle, 19 Henry Bloomfield, 20 Robbie Shaw,
21 Valanese Malifa, 22 Albert Tuipulotu.
Date: Saturday, June 21
Venue: Toyota Park, Chicago
Kick-off: 16.25 (21.25 GMT)
Referee: Federico Cuesta (Argentina)
Touch judges: Rob Debney (England), Andy McPherson (Scotland)
