Update: 8:52PM The United States will field a full-strength team featuring five English Premiership rugby players for the Test against the All Blacks in Chicago.
Japan-based flanker Todd Clever is captain in his 60th Test on Saturday, while the tight five has been boosted by three Premiership players – locks Samu Manoa and Hayden Smith and prop Eric Fry.
Fullback Chris Wyles and wing Blaine Scully are also contracted by English clubs and their presence will be vital for the world No.18-ranked side against New Zealand, according to coach Mike Colkin.
“This is the strongest team we can get. It would have been tough if none of the Premiership players was here,” Colkin said.
“That would have been a massive ask for a lot of amateur players. It probably would have brought the occasion down a little bit.”
Because the Test falls outside the International Rugby Board window, USA Rugby had to plead with Premiership Rugby for the player release.
Negotiations forced an agreement that the five players return next week to their clubs, making them unavailable for November Tests in Europe against Romania, Tonga and Fiji.
Fry’s inclusion is one of three changes from the team who started their last Test, a 38-35 win over Canada in Sacramento in June.
Two backline switches see Auckland-raised Andrew Suniula return at second five-eighth following injury while his younger brother Shalom Suniula drops to the reserves bench.
He is replaced at first five-eighth by New York playmaker Adam Siddall – one of six US-based players in the starting team.
Colkin is unconcerned that the All Blacks have named a virtual second-string side, choosing to rest most of the top team ahead of next week’s Test against England.
“If you pull on an All Blacks jersey, you’ve earned it and you’re doing something pretty special,” Colkin said.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, no matter who’s playing.”
Colkin says the occasion is a massive one for his team, who only gathered on Sunday.
They quickly came to terms with the importance of the Test for the sport in the US and vowed to knuckle down.
“Staying grounded has been the biggest challenge but the guys have been great.”
United States: Chris Wyles, Blaine Scully, Seamus Kelly, Andrew Suniula, Brett Thompson, Adam Siddall, Mike Petri, Danny Barrett, Scott Lavalla, Todd Clever (capt), Hayden Smith, Samu Manoa, Olive Kilifi, Phil Thiel, Eric Fry. Reserves: Tom Coolican, Nick Wallace, Mate Moeakiola, Tai Tuisamoa, Louis Stanfill, Shalom Suniula, Folau Niua, Troy Hall.
