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A backline full of HSBC Sevens Series stars will run out against the New Zealand Māori at Toyota Park in Chicago on Friday evening. Only Bryce Campbell has not played for Mike Friday’s Eagles 7s side while Danny Barrett also suits up at no8 for his first Eagles XVs match since the 2015 World Cup. On the bench are three more standouts from the abbreviated code including current Eagles 7s captain Madison Hughes, who is set to make his XVs debut as an outside back rather than a scrumhalf.
Five professionals are drafted into the forward pack including an all-pro front row anchored by Wellington tighthead Chris Baumann. Nick Civetta makes his senior Eagles debut – though test caps will not be awarded – and in-form Hawke’s Bay flanker Tony Lamborn will line up opposite clubmates Ben May, Brad Weber, Ihaia West, and Māori captain Ash Dixon. As expected Todd Clever leads the Eagles wearing no6.
Nate Augspurger continues his run in the unsettled scrumhalf spot and Will Holder is a minor surprise selection at no10 having been selected as a fullback in the June tests. Holder was seen as a flyhalf in his first stint with the Eagles in 2012 and won his first three caps at the position. Folau Niua will line up outside him and another interesting choice sees midfielder Martin Iosefo on the right wing. NYAC forward Al McFarland is among the reserves, joining the squad after a year’s absence.
The match kicks off at 7pm local time and will be broadcast live on the Rugby Channel.
[EDIT: A late change sees Pat Blair replacing Alex Maughan in the reserves.]
USA EAGLES
1 Titi Lamositele 2 James Hilterbrand 3 Chris Baumann 4 Nate Brakeley 5 Nick Civetta 6 Todd Clever (capt.) 7 Tony Lamborn 8 Danny Barrett 9 Nate Augspurger 10 Will Holder 11 Matai Leuta 12 Folau Niua 13 Bryce Campbell 14 Martin Iosefo 15 Mike Te’o
16 Pat Blair 17 Joe Taufete’e 18 Angus MacLellan 19 Matt Jensen 20 Al McFarland 21 Stephen Tomasin 22 Shalom Suniula 23 Madison Hughes
