Eagles make changes for Singapore

Mike Friday has been forced to make two changes to his Eagles side for the next stop on the HSBC Sevens Series in Singapore this weekend. Key duo Maka Unufe and Folau Niua have been ruled out with injury.

Stepping into the main squad is Malon Al-Jiboori, who acted as 13th man in Hong Kong. Cody Melphy is called straight into the senior squad and Faitala Talupusi arrives as cover. Melphy made his debut on the North American leg of the circuit, playing in both the Las Vegas and Vancouver tournaments.

This is the first senior call-up for 18-year-old Talapusi, who comes from the Life West club in Hayward California. He has also represented Tiger Rugby. Older brother Martini was part of the USA Select XV that traveled to Uruguay last October for the Americas Pacific Challenge.

The Eagles have been grouped in Pool B along with France, England, and Kenya. Fans based in the USA can watch the tournament live on ESPN3.

USA EAGLES SEVENS
Malon Al-Jiboori, Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Chris Mattina, Cody Melphy, Ben Pinkelman (capt.), Brett Thompson, Faitala Talapusi (13th man), Stephen Tomasin, Kevon Williams

FIXTURES
Sat, Apr 28 – 00:30 ET – vs France
Sat, Apr 28 – 03:56 ET – vs England
Sat, Apr 28 – 07:44 ET – vs Kenya