Ireland face USA test

Ireland field nine changes from last week’s victory over South Africa for today’s match against the US Eagles at Lansdowne Road.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s side, captained for the 17th time by 53-cap centre Brian O’Driscoll, have not lost to opposition ranked below them in the world standings since the present coach took over in November 2001.

Debutants Tommy Boe and Denis Leamy were among those charged with taking on a US team which numbered four European-based professionals – most notably captain Kort Schubert, of the Cardiff Blues.

The Americans suffered an 83-3 thrashing in the sides’ last meeting in 2000.