Looking to build on last week's Super Cup matches, the USA has added experience to its forward pack for Saturday's match with Wales.
Locks Alec Parker and Brian Surgener come into the starting lineup, replacing a trio of new caps who manned the second row. Also in the forwards, Matt Wyatt returns at hooker, while halfback Doug Rowe makes his first run-on start, in place of the injured Mose Timoteo.
In all, the Eagles capped eight players during the season-opening Super Cup tournament. "We expect ourselves to be more precise this week in our understanding and execution. That said, we're under no illusion about the job at hand," USA coach Tom Billlups said of the lineup.
In Japan, the USA dropped its first match to 13th-ranked Canada 30-26 before downing 14th-ranked Romania 28-22. Subsequently, the Eagles moved up a notch to 15th in the International Rugby Board standings.
Earlier this spring, Wales posted an unbeaten record in capturing Europe's Six Nations title and rising to 5th. Making their first visit to the USA since 1997, the Dragons have played and won three road games against America, and are likewise unbeaten at home.
In the backline, Rowe partners with Mike Hercus, in his first match since breaking the all-time US scoring record against Romania. The 25-year-old flyhalf has 9 nine tries and 290 points to his credit in 25 internationals.
Albert Tuipulotu and Paul Emerick are the centers, with David Fee and Mike Palefau at wing and Francois Viljoen. Palefau, another of Tokyo's new caps, touched down two tries in his first two international matches.
The US forwards include props Mike MacDonald and Chris Osentowski and hooker Wyatt, with Parker and Surgener locking. Kort Schubert captains from number eight, flanked by Andy Ryland and Todd Clever. The reserves forwards are hooker Mark Griffin, prop Mike French, lock Mike Mangan, and flanker Tony Petruzzella. In the backs Peter Galicz, Salesi Sika, and Matt Sherman are at the ready.
United States: Francois Viljoen; Mike Palefau, Paul Emerick, Albert Tuipulotu, David Fee; Mike Hercus, Doug Rowe; Mike MacDonald, Matt Wyatt, Chris Osentowski, Alec Parker, Brian Surgener, Andrew Ryland, Todd Clever, Kort Schubert (captain).
Reserves: Mark Griffin, Mike French, Mike Mangan, Tony Petruzzella; Peter Galicz, Salesi Sika, Matt Sherman.