Tuesday 11th September 2007
The United States Eagles will inevitably soar with superfluous confidence into their clash against Tonga at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier on Wednesday.
After restricting World Cup holders England to a mere 18-point margin, the Eagles would have been perfectly content to bask in the glow of their most recent performance for a few more days.
However, it's Brian Ashton's men who must ponder until Friday, when they face the impressive South Africa in what could be a worrying non-event.
Yet, with just three full days' recuperation, USA coach Peter Thorburn will surely not allow his charges to find themselves in the clouds, as the fresh Tongans present an especially stern test.
So, it will be the Eagles versus the Sea Eagles, with the latter opening their World Cup account six days after the ceremony.
The Islanders' population of 100,000, roughly the same as Bath, means that they are the smallest country to reach the finals.
However, coach Quddus Fielea is in no mood to celebrate that fact as he intends to hit the ground running in Montpellier.
"This is the best team we've ever had. It is the first time we have all the players available for the World Cup," he said.
And there will be some familiar faces on show with former Sale and Newcastle Falcon Epi Taione - Paddy Power to those pandering to sponsorship larks, and the affectionately-known 'Tongan Torpedo' Nili Latu in their ranks.
But what can the World Cup expect from a side tipped to hover under the Pool heavyweights?
They arrive in France on the back of a 26-14 warm-up win over Edinburgh in Scotland, but are sure to hit new heights with a squad full of promise.
Ones to watch: Powerhouse Finau Maka has been a prominent figure for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup during their spell of European domination. The loose forward's running and tackling ability is sure to strike fear into Mike Hercus and the Eagles. And it will be interesting to see how the Belmont Shore fly-half star adapts against a very different proposition to the English.
Head to Head: The back-row contest will be an interesting match-up in this early afternoon fixture. Tonga's Latu, Maka and T Pole are an exceptional trio who will cause a variety of problems for their counterparts and also the US service to Hercus and Emerick.
Recent Results:
2000: Tonga won 29-6 at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa
1999: United States won 30-10 at Boxer Stadium, Balboa
Prediction: A lack of recovery for the US may become a factor with Tonga hungry to impose themselves on the competition. And with the ecstasy of England preceding the hangover, a possible plummet to earth may be an eventuality. Tonga by less than 10 points.
The Teams:
United States: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Salesi Sika, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Vahafolau Esikia, 11 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 10 Mike Hercus (c), 9 Chad Erskine, 8 Henry Bloomfield, 7 Todd Clever, 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Mike Mangan, 4 Alec Parker, 3 Chris Osentowski, 2 Owen Lentz, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Blake Burdette, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Hayden Mexted, 19 Inaki Basauri, 20 Mike Petri, 21 Valenese Malifa, 22 Albert Tuipulotu.
Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Tevita Tu'ifua, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Epeli Taione, 11 Joseph Vaka, 10 Pierre Hola, 9 Soane Havea, 8 Finau Maka, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Hale T-Pole, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Lisiate Fa'aoso, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Toma Toke, 18 Viliami Vaki, 19 Lotu Filipine, 20 Sione Tu'ipulotu, 21 Isileli Tupou, 22 Aisea Havili.
Date: Wednesday, 12 September
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 14.00 (13.00 GMT)
Conditions: Sunny, 28°C, with a strong Northerly breeze
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Touch judges: Craig Joubert, Christophe Berdos
Television match official: Mark Lawrence
Assessor: Bob Francis
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