United States prop Mike MacDonald will become the Eagles’ most capped player with 63 Test appearances in Sunday’s World Cup opener against Ireland.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney urged his players not to be too despondent after they endured a frustrating Setanta Challenge Cup encounter with the USA in Santa Clara, California.

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Ireland coach Declan Kidney has played down talk of personal rivalry between himself and his predecessor, new USA coach Eddie O’Sullivan, ahead of their sides’ meeting in Santa Clara, California tomorrow.

Eddie O’Sullivan has named a squad split between youth and experience for his first Test as USA Eagles head coach later this month.