WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) β Todd Clever will captain the United States from flanker in his 60th test in Saturday’s sellout test against the All Blacks at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
Clever was named Thursday to lead the U.S. Eagles team in only its fourth test against New Zealand and its first on home soil since 1980.
Head coach Mike Tolkin has named a team which includes a core of overseas-based professionals. Newcastle Falcons prop Eric Fry and locks Samu Manoa, from Northampton, and Hayden Smith, from Saracens, will form part of an experienced tight five. Smith formerly played at tight end for the New York Jets.
Mike Petri will play his 45th test at scrumhalf with Phil Thiel named hooker and New Zealand-born Adam Siddell set to start his seventh test at flyhalf.
