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Long-time Eagles front man Todd Clever will become the USA’s most-capped international player when he takes the field against Russia at Bonney Field tomorrow evening. The 33-year-old will surpass Mike MacDonald with his 68th test appearance, 13 years after making his debut against Argentina. Clever and co-captain Blaine Scully head up a side that shows just three changes to the starting lineup that ran out against Italy this past weekend.
Injuries to Greg Peterson and Takudzwa Ngwenya see James King and Mike Te’o take their places at lock and wing respectively. Peterson rolled his ankle against the Azzurri while Ngwenya suffered concussion. Tony Lamborn will make his first test start on the flank in place of Andrew Durutalo, who has left the squad early to begin Olympic preparations in Chula Vista.
Luke Hume is recalled to the squad to take the vacant spot on the bench, and bruising Sacramento Express no8 Langi Haupeakui is set to make his test debut after impressing during training this week. The 26-year-old American football convert has proved one of the most formidable ball carriers in PRO Rugby.
The Eagles have a perfect 6-0 record against Russia since their first meeting in 2004. Their last contest ended 28-7 at the neutral Allianz Park in the UK. The match kicks off at 7pm local time and will be streamed live on The Rugby Channel, and broadcast Sunday on CBS Sports at 6pm Pacific.
USA EAGLES
1 Titi Lamositele 2 James Hilterbrand 3 Chris Baumann 4 James King 5 Nate Brakeley 6 Todd Clever (capt.) 7 Tony Lamborn 8 Cam Dolan 9 Nate Augspurger 10 AJ MacGinty 11 Blaine Scully 12 Shalom Suniula 13 Thretton Palamo 14 Mike Te’o 15 Will Holder
16 Joe Taufete’e 17 Ben Tarr 18 Angus MacLellan 19 Harry Higgins 20 Langi Haupeakui 21 Stephen Tomasin 22 Chad London 23 Luke Hume
