Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying takes place in both North America and Oceania this weekend with the campaigns nearing a climax in both regions.
Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands go head to head in a one-off match in Port Moresby to decide who will face Samoa for a place at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Pool D, alongside South Africa, Wales and Fiji.
In America the USA and Canada face off in the first of two home-and-away ties in Charleston, USA with the aggregate winner set to qualify directly in Pool A alongside New Zealand, France and Tonga. The second leg will take place in Edmonton, Canada on 11 July.
USA head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named a familiar starting line-up to the recent test matches against Ireland and Wales and the Churchill Cup, with national Sevens players Kevin Swiryn and Roland Suniula forcing their way in to a team once again captained by flanker Todd Clever.
"This summer has been non-stop rugby, the boys have worked very hard to get here and we are really starting to see the benefits of getting so much time together," said Clever.
"It's fantastic to be featured on the big stage and this is a huge step in boosting exposure to our sport and increasing its following on a national level.
"The team is looking forward to playing in Charleston again and celebrating America's birthday with our fans."
In all, O'Sullivan makes four changes to the team that won 33-13 over the Georgians in its final match of the Churchill Cup.
"We've had several matches this season to help build toward this test against Canada," said O'Sullivan. "After beating Georgia we were pretty much where we wanted to be but we're well aware that a victory against Canada is hard to come by and we'll have to play hard for it on Saturday."
History on Canada's side
Of the 43 matches played between the two North American rivals, the USA has won 11 to Canada's 31, with one draw. More importantly, the Eagles have not beaten the Cannucks since 2005.
"It's time together and knowing the systems and those sorts of things," said Canada coach Keiran Crowley of the team's recent development, and fourth place in the Churchill Cup.
"Obviously there is a certain way we want to play against the States and we have been working hard on that. It's also being able to adapt to different things each week and you have to change your line out calls each week because of all the analysis that takes place."
Crowley has selected DTH van der Merwe at centre outside veteran Ryan Smith, while welcoming back Kevin Tkachuk for his 48th Canada appearance in the front row. Pat Riordan will captain the side from hooker and Dan Pletch wins his 20th Cap at tight-head prop.
Squads
USA: 15. Chris Wyles (Saracens FC), 14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz Olympic), 13. Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma), 12. Roland Suniula (Pearl City RFC), 11. Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach), 10. Mike Hercus (Sunshine Coast Stingrays), 9. Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC) , 1. Mate Moeakiola (Park City Haggis), 2. Chris Biller (California), 3. Shawn Pittman (Bayside RFC), 4. John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians), 5. Hayden Smith (Saracens FC), 6. Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club), 7. Todd Clever (Xerox Lions) Captain, 8. Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians). Replacements: 16. Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club), 17. Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie RFC), 18. Alec Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen), 19. J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town), 20. Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), 21. Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore RFC), 22. Alipate Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers)
Canada: 1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK), 2. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria/Burnaby Lake, BC), 3. Dan Pletch (Niagara Thunder/London, ON), 4. Mike Burak (Unattached/Vancouver, BC), 5. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens/Vancouver, BC), 6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers/Frederiction, NB), 7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria/White Rock, BC), 8. Aaron Carpenter (Coventry RFC/Brantford, ON), 9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates/Victoria, BC), 10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy), 11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Moseley/Vancouver, BC), 12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish/Caledon, ON), 13. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK), 14. Matt Evans (Hartpury College/Duncan, BC), 15. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC). Replacements: 16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians/London, ON), 17. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria/St. Albert, AB), 18. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC/St. John's, NFLD), 19. Stu Ault (Mosely RFC/Perth, ON), 20. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Saskatoon, SK), 21. Phil Mack (James Bay AA/Victoria, BC), 22. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers/Conception Bay, Nfld)
