No favours for retiring duo

American hooker Tom Billups and right wing Vaea Anitoni are inexorably linked in terms of appearances for the US Eagles, joint record holders with 43 caps. It is therefore somewhat appropriate that their curtain call for the national side should be on the same evening, tonight at Thomond Park when two great servants of the American side are expected to retire after the World Cup Pool E game against Australia.

Unfortunately from an American perspective there probably won't be too much time for nostalgia on the day in question as they face Australia, facile conquerors of both Ireland and Romania. Despite Australian coach Rod Macqueen's decision to provide several fringe players with an outing this evening, the Wallabies still boast an impressive line-up.

They retain an experienced backbone to the team, exemplified by captain Jason Little in the centre, Matt Burke in an unfamiliar role on the left wing, Steve Larkham at out-half and Dan Crowley at prop: only Burke, Larkham and Mark Connors started last Sunday's game against Ireland.

Two players, right wing Scott Staniforth and prop Rod Moore - called out during the tournament for Patricio Noriega - make their respective debuts. The Aussies confirmed that they will not appeal the 14-day suspension to Toutai Kefu.

Scrum-half Kevin Dalzell captains the USA in the absence of the injured Dan Lyle and bring in prop Joe Clayton and David Hodges at blindside flanker. Victory guarantees Australia a place in a quarterfinal tie in the Millennium Stadium, probably against Wales.

USA: K Shuman; V Anitoni, J Grobler, M Scharrenberg, B Hightower; D Niu, K Dalzell (capt); J Clayton, T Billups, G Sucher; L Gross, A Parker; D Hodges, R Lumkong, F Mo'unga.

Australia: C Latham; S Staniforth, J Little (capt), N Grey, M Burke; S Larkham, C Whitaker; D Crowley, M Foley, R Moore; T Bowman, M Connors; O Finegan, T Strauss, J Williams.

Referee: A Watson (South Africa).