Ngwenya ready to shine again for USA

The USA squad for Rugby World Cup 2011 features several players with experience of the top flight in Europe and the southern hemisphere.

The Eagles’ foreign corps include captain Todd Clever, who played Super Rugby with South Africa’s Lions before moving to present club Suntory (Japan), Biarritz (France) speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya and Chris Wyles and Hayden Smith of English champions Saracens.

Many fans will remember Ngwenya’s try against South Africa in 2007 when he outpaced Springbok wing Bryan Habana.

The USA begin their Pool C campaign on 11 September against Ireland, whom Eagles coach Eddie O’Sullivan coached in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments.

The Eagles have failed to progress beyond the pool stage in previous tournaments, having been at every Rugby World Cup except 1995, but O’Sullivan says there is strength in depth.

“As expected we have had to make some very tough decisions to get to the final squad, but that is just reflection on the talent available to us,” he said.

Mike Petri – who led the Eagles in the 20-14 defeat by Japan in Tokyo last Sunday – is vice-captain of a squad comprising 16 forwards and 14 backs.

The squad will assemble in Santa Barbara before flying to New Zealand on 1 September.

USA squad for RWC 2011:

Forwards: Inaki Basauri, Chris Biller, Todd Clever (captain), Pat Danahy, Eric Fry, JJ Gagiano, Nic Johnson, Scott LaValla, Mike MacDonald, Brian McClenahan, Mate Moeakiola, Shawn Pittman, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Phil Thiel, John van der Giessen.

Backs: Paul Emerick, Tai Enosa, Colin Hawley, Nese Malifa, Taku Ngwenya, James Paterson, Mike Petri, Blaine Scully, Junior Sifa, Andrew Suniula, Roland Suniula, Kevin Swiryn, Tim Usasz, Chris Wyles.

Squad subject to RWCL approval