USA Rugby head coach Scott Lawrence has made significant changes to the lineup for the team’s first match against the Flying Fijians in a decade, with seven personnel adjustments and one positional switch.
Toby Fricker is set to make his debut for the US Men’s Eagles, taking the field as full-back for the upcoming semifinal match in Tokyo against Fiji.
Notably absent from the matchday 23 are key players fly-half Luke Cary and No.8 Jamason Schultz.
Among the selected players, Greg Peterson is the only one with experience from the last encounter against Fiji, which took place in Vannes in November 2014, ending in a 20-14 victory for Fiji. However, the seasoned lock will start the match on the bench.
Australian-born Peterson captained the Eagles in their initial two matches of the Pacific Nations Cup, but the coaching staff has decided to pass the captaincy to Nate Augspurger.
Coach Lawrence emphasized the importance of consistency and improved performance as the team prepares for the match.
The USA will compete against the Flying Fijians at 10:05 PM tomorrow in Japan.