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Preview: Ireland A v USA

Monday 09th June 2008

Tomas O'Leary: Ready to face USA

Heineken Cup winners Denis Hurley and Tomas O'Leary have been named in the Ireland A team for Wednesday's Churchill Cup clash with the United States.

Jonathan Sexton of Magners League winners Leinster and Ireland Sevens international Brian Tuohy also feature.

There is an all-Munster look to the midfield with Keith Earls and Kirean Lewis completing the back line.

In the forwards, Ireland A captain Bob Casey is partnered in the second row by Ryan Caldwell while the back row is the experienced trio of Johnny O'Connor, Neil Best and Roger Wilson.

Meanwhile, USA Coach Scott Johnson has made some long-awaited adjustments to his team.

With the arrival of the rest of the US players from their overseas clubs, Johnson finally has a complete squad and will use the newcomers in the upcoming match against Ireland A.

"Between the short turnaround and the need to see different players and what they can do, we have a pretty different squad set to take on Ireland," Johnson said.

"We did try to keep a few combinations for continuity, but I'm still exploring what's in the squad so I can see who has the talent and the ability to adapt to the new law changes.

"It's nice to have the entire squad finally arrive. It definitely broadens the base and allows for more competition for spots. The more competition, the better off the team is," he added.

Takudzwa Ngwenya and Salesi Sika have both just arrived from their clubs in France and will fill wing berths. Ngwenya will start, with Justin Boyd on the other wing, and Sika will most likely be utilized as an impact player.

Other changes include Kort Schubert at number eight, Brian Doyle starting at lock, Vaha Esikia starting as the inside centre, and Jon Vitale as a prop replacement.

The teams:

Ireland A: 15 Daragh Hurley, 14 Mark McCrea, 13 Kieran Lewis, 12 Keith Earls, 11 Brian Tuohy, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Jonny O'Connor, 6 Neil Best, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Bob Casey (London Irish, capt), 3 Mike Ross, 2 Denis Fogarty, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: tbc

USA: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12. Vaha Esikia, 11 Justin Boyd, 10 Mike Hercus, 8 Kort Schubert, 7 Jason Lett, 6 Todd Clever (capt), 5 Brian Doyle, 4 Ben Wiedemer, 3 Mate Moeakiola, 2 Mark Crick, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Mone Laulaupeaalu, 17 Jon Vitale, 18 Mark Aylor, 19 Louis Stanfill, 20 Robbie Shaw, 21 Valanese Malifa, 22 Salesi Sika.

Date: Wednesday, June 11
Venue: Richardson Stadium, Kingston
Kick-off: 19:00 (23:00 GMT)