In a side that shows just two changes, prop Gerry McDonald bumps Joe Rissone over to tight head while sending Ray Lehner to the reserves bench, and Mark Williams replaces Matt Alexander at flyhalf. Williams started the last game at fullback, but left with an injury. Maika Sika, who finished for Williams, assumes the starting role in the number 15 jersey.
Debutant Cliff Vogl retains his place at lock and halfback Andre Bachelet continues as captain of a side that's been playing increasingly well of late. The US shows two wins over Canada and a narrow loss to Ireland since the conclusion of the 1995 World Cup.
But facing Canada at home is a daunting prospect for the young Eagle squad. "Every game is a challenge," Bachelet pointed out, "because we have yet to prove ourselves both as a team and individually. But we're looking forward to making adjustments to our pattern to become a better rugby team."
The Canada-USA match is set for Saturday at 3:00 pm at the University of British Columbia's Thunderbird Stadium.