US Eagles v Ireland (Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, live on eirSport Saturday 10pm)
US Eagles coach John Mitchell has named three Irishmen in a notably inexperienced squad to face Ireland in New Jersey tomorrow night (kick-off 10pm, live eir Sport).
Cork born flanker John Quill replaces injured captain Todd Clever, a selection that makes the 27 year old Dolphin man the most experienced player in the US starting XV with just 20 caps.
Quill has been part of the American squad for five years but missed out on selection for the previous defeat to Ireland (15-12) in June 2013.
Another Cork and Munster product, tighthead prop Paddy Ryan, who qualifies for the US via family, could make his debut off the bench.
The 26 year old’s brothers, Timmy and Dave, also came through the Munster system with Timmy playing for Toulon while Dave recently helped Agen secure promotion to the Top 14.
Ryan’s opportunity comes off the back of injury to Saracens prop Titi Lamositele.
Mitchell, who leaves the US set-up for the Bulls in South Africa next season, was also forced to plan without current Toulon backrow Samu Manoa, Cardiff wing Blaine Scully and Bristol centre Thret Palamo.
“These are hugely important players to us,” said US Collegiate coach Gavin Hickie who is working with the squad this week. “We are building depth all the time but we still don’t have depth comparable to a tier one nation. We are fully aware of that.”
Hickie, now a US citizen, is from Dublin and was capped 43 times by Leinster.
AJ MacGinty will win his 12th cap at outhalf.
US EAGLES: B Cima; M Te'o, R Matyas, M Brache, M Iosefo; AJ MacGinty, N Augspurger (capt); B Tarr, P Malcolm, C Baumann; N Brakeley, N Civetta; J Quill, T Lamborn, D Tameilau. Replacements: J Hilterbrand, J Taufete'e, P Ryan, M Jensen, A Durutalo, S Davies, W Mague, B Campbell.
