The US have made four changes from the side beaten by Ireland for their Pool E clash with Romania at Lansdowne Road tomorrow night (7.0). David Niu replaces 39-year-old Mark Williams at out-half while Mark Scharrenberg is included at first centre.
There was somewhat of a surprise in the composition of the pack with experienced flankers Dave Hodges and Richard Tardits relegated to the bench. In a new-look back-row, captain Dan Lyle switches to blindside flanker, a fit-again Rob Lumkong comes in at number eight and Fifita Mo'unga wins a starting role at openside.
Coach Jack Clark conceded he was taken with the Romanians' performance in their defeat by the Australians. Clark dimissed the notion that the Americans would be trying for a big victory to grab the best third-placed team and a place in the pre-quarterfinals.
Romania have made just the two changes from the Australian defeat. Captain Tudor Constantin has recovered from injury and resumes in the second row while Rotaru Mavrodin is included at tighthead prop.
USA: K Schuman; V Anitoni, J Grobler, M Scharrenberg, B Hightower; D Niu, K Dalzell; G Sucher, T Billups, R Lehner; L Gross, A Parker; D Lyle (capt), R Lumkong, F Mo'unga. Replacements: T Takau, D Stroble, R Tardits, S Paga, D Hodges, J Clayton, K Khasigan.
ROMANIA: M Vioreanu; C Spuan, G Brezoianu, R Gontineac, G Solomie; L Vusec, P Mitu; C Stan, P Balan, R Mavrodin; T Constantin (capt), T Brinza; A Petrache, C Dragoceanu, E Septar. Replacements: M Iacob, I Tofan, R Fugigi, F Corodeanu, D Cniriac, N Dima, S Demci.
