Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has brought in Gregor Townsend for today's Pool B match against USA in Brisbane today.
Townsend comes in place of Gordon Ross at outhalf while Full-back Glenn Metcalfe and hooker Gordon Bulloch are also recalled.
Bulloch, who will captain the side with skipper Bryan Redpath on the bench, wants his troops to keep close tabs on American number eight Dan Lyle.
"He's a huge influence for them at the back of the line-out, both on their ball and defending our ball, so I think if we can keep the ball away from him it would be ideal," Bulloch said.
The Scots won a scrappy game 32-11 against Japan and now McGeechan hopes his side can put in a more convincing display.
Scotland:G Metcalfe; S Danielli, A Craig, A Henderson, C Paterson; G Townsend, M Blair; T Smith, G Bulloch (capt), G Kerr, N Hines, S Grimes, R Beattie, S Taylor, J Petrie (Glasgow).
Replacements:R Russell, B Douglas, J White (Sale), M Leslie, B Redpath, B Hinshelwood, K Logan.
USA:P Emerick; D Fee, P Eloff, K Cross, R Van Zyl; M Hercus, K Dalzell; M MacDonald, K Khasigian, D Dorsey, A Parker, L Gross, K Schubert, D Hodges (capt), D Lyle.
Replacements:M Wyatt, R Liddington, J Gouws, O Fifita, K Kjar, J Keyter, L Wilfley.