GRR on X  GRR on Facebook GRR in Instagram GRR Vimeo Library GRR on YouTube RuggaMatrix America Podcasts Support GRR on Patreon

Clever Returns to Lead USA v Fiji

irish rugby tours

Clever Returns to Lead USA v Fiji

The USA Men's National Team finishes up its November test matches with a match against Fiji Friday afternoon at Stade de la Rabine.

Ealing Trailfinders center Ronnie McLean will earn his first international cap as he starts at fullback.

McLean joined the team in England ahead of last weekend’s loss to Tonga but did not see match time at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium. McLean has lined up at outside center in seven SSE National League 1 matches, but will wear No. 15 for the Eagles Friday.

Taku Ngwenya will look to add at least a 12th try to his international tally on the wing, where he will partner Tim Stanfill. Stanfill, who will earn his fourth cap in France, has scored a try in two consecutive matches to begin his young international career.

Thretton Palamo and Seamus Kelly will hope to create chances from the center positions while bringing in the dangerous wings. Palamo’s second start since returning to the game of rugby – his first was in Sacramento, Calif., during the summer – is just his fifth cap since making his Eagles debut at IRB Rugby World Cup 2007.

In the play-making positions, Mike Petri and Shalom Suniula return to scrumhalf and flyhalf, respectively. Tim Maupin, Andrew Suniula, and Roland Suniula provide Head Coach Mike Tolkin with options at the back from the bench.

In the front row, Olive Kilifi has recovered from an injury sustained following the Eagles’ 27-17 win against Romania to warrant a 10th cap. Mate Moeakiola will start at tighthead outside Phil Thiel, who is making his 11th consecutive Eagles start at hooker dating back to November 2013.

Rookie starters in last weekend’s loss, John Cullen and Greg Peterson will again patrol the loose from the second row, while Scott LaValla Stade Français and John Quill will start as flankers. Todd Clever played nearly 20 minutes from the bench in Gloucester and returns to the Eagles as captain at No. 8.

Fiji began its end-of-year-tour with a 40-15 loss to France before nearly upsetting Wales last weekend. Recognized by some as a rugby sevens-playing nation, Fiji is 9-5 in the last 14 games, including a 35-10 defeat of the Eagles in Japan last summer.

Kickoff at Stade de la Rabine is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. ET.

Men's Eagles | v Fiji
1. Olive Kilifi
2. Phil Thiel
3. Mate Moeakiola
4. John Cullen
5. Greg Peterson
6. Scott LaValla
7. John Quill
8. Todd Clever (C)
9. Mike Petri
10. Shalom Suniula
11. Tim Stanfill
12. Thretton Palamo
13. Seamus Kelly
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya
15. Ronald McLean

Men's Eagles | Reserves
16. Tom Coolican
17. Nick Wallace
18. Benjamin Tarr
19. Matt Trouville
20. Kyle Sumsion
21. Roland Suniula
22. Andrew Suniula
23. Tim Maupin

Fiji | Starting XV
1. Peni Ravai Kovekalou
2. Tua Tuapati
3. Manasa Saulo Ramumu
4. Leone Nakarawa
5. Tevita Cavubati
6. Akapusi Qera
7. Mala Ravulo
8. Masi Matadigo
9. Henry Seniloli
10. Josh Matavesi
11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
12. Nemani Nadolo Nasiganiyavi
13. Vereniki Goneva
14. Watisoni Votu
15. Timoci Nagusa

Fiji | Reserves
16. Sunia Koto
17. Isei Colati
18. Taniela Koroi
19. Nemia Soqeta
20. Dominiko Waqanibutorukula
21. Nemia Kenatale Ranuku
22. Jonetani Ralulu
23. Waisea Nayacalevu Vuidravuwalu