Preview: US Eagles v Samoa

Junior Polu: Can he conquer his opposite number?

This is a match that can be labelled 'Hercus's Last Stand'. Well, we are using just a bit of licence here, but it is after all the United States that are involved in what is realistically their last chance of victory at the World Cup.

Mike Hercus and his US Eagles team will play pool powerhouse South Africa on Sunday, but Wednesday's showdown with Samoa (also winless at World Cup 2007) at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne, is their only realistic opportunity for victory.

Just like George Armstrong Custer, that famous United States Army cavalry commander referred to in the famous phrase 'Custer's Last Stand' (when he was defeated and killed by the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes at the Battle of the Little Bighorn), Hercus and his men have their backs to the wall.

Not surprising then that it was all "war talk" when the US captain, Hercus, discussed his team's prospects.

He spoke of early strikes and getting off to a flying start - unlike his countrymen that were outsmarted by the native Indian tribes over 200 years ago.

In their last game, a 15-25 loss to Tonga, the Americans conceded a try almost inside the first minute and were chasing the game from then on.

"We definitely have to start better than we did in the second match," Hercus said.

"The key will be not failing in the first tackle, and disturbing their set plays."

USA coach Peter Thorburn spoke of rectifying defensive problems and the poor concentration that plagued his team in their loss to Tonga.

"In the second game we were really tired and without much focus in the first few minutes," Thorburn said.

"We had 65 per cent territory and 68 per cent possession of the ball. We didn't win because our defence failed and we had some distractions at the beginning."

With a sprinkling of USA players born in Samoa, the encounter will be "something very special" for the likes of replacement fly-half Valenese Malifa.

"I have a lot of friends on the other side and I know it will be tough," he said.

"I know that on the field I am American even if I feel Samoan off the field."

For the Samoans this is, obviously, also a 'last chance saloon' - while we're using Americanisms in this preview.

Samoan head coach Michael Jones admitted that the back-to-back losses against South Africa, Tonga and England had taken their toll.

"We're very disappointed, and we're not trying to hide that disappointment either," he said.

"We're very disappointed for our Samoan people, all over the world but particularly in Samoa, we really wanted to do well for them."

With nearly a dozen players lost to injury, Jones has had to dig deep into his resources.

At least ace scrum-half Junior Polu has been cleared after it was feared he had suffered concussion against England last Saturday.

"It turned out not to be concussion. I think it was exhaustion," Jones said.

He described the injuries suffered by the team as "freak accidents".

"They've been fractured eye sockets, broken ribs, a broken wrist - I can't even remember them all."

"It hasn't helped our cause. For us saying goodbye all the time isn't good for us either. We're a very tight team, but the best teams in the world would struggle losing guys like we have. It has a big impact on a team like ours, but I don't want to make that an excuse."

Despite not making the quarter-finals Jones said his side remained upbeat and was looking forward to the match against US Eagles.

"There's a wonderful spirit and sense of unity in the team. We're focusing on finishing the job well for Samoa."

Ones to watch:

For the United States: Having previous World Cup experience - even though he has had only 17 minutes of action in France this time round - South African-born midfielder Phillip Eloff gets a chance to show that he is still worthy of a place on the international stage. Lock Hayden Mexted, one of three changes to the side in an effort to add some much needed muscle, will be expected to provide the spark up front.

For Samoa: With the Chiropractor, Brian Lima, out suspended, Elvis Seveali'i must marshal the Samoan midfield. However, the tight forwards have been the most disappointing aspect of the Samoan campaign so far - as was seen in their loss to England when they were continually shunted around the park - which means the likes of Kane Thompson, Leo Lafaiali'i, Census Johnston, Mahonri Schwalger and Kas Lealamanua will have to step up to the plate.

Head-to-head: Another of the US Eagles' South African-born stars scrum-half Chad Erskine will face up to Samoan rival Junior Polu, also in his first World Cup. These two bantams will play crucial roles in making sure whatever possession their teams get are properly utilised.

Recent results:

These two countries have never met before.

Prediction: Samoa have been the biggest disappointment of the tournament, failing to fire in any of their games. The United States, while not having the talent pool that the Pacific Islanders have access to, at least showed a willingness to be competitive. That will be the difference and the US Eagles will sneak a win - by about 10 points.

Teams:

United States: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Salesi Sika, 13 Phillip Eloff, 12 Vahafolau Esikia, 11 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 10 Mike Hercus (c), 9 Chad Erskine, 8 Tasi Mounga, 7 Todd Clever, 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Hayden Mexted, 4 Alec Parker, 3 Chris Osentowski, 2 Owen Lentz, 1 Mike MacDonald.

Replacements: 16 Blake Burdette, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Mark Aylor, 19 Henry Bloomfield, 20 Mike Petri, 21 Valenese Malifa, 22 Albert Tuipulotu.

Samoa: 15 Loki Crichton, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Elvis Seveali'i, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 9 Junior Polu, 8 Alfie Vaeluaga, 7 Justin Purdie, 6 Semo Sititi (c), 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Leo Lafaiali'i, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Kas Lealamanua.

Replacements: 16 Silao Vaisola Sefo, 17 Naama Leleimalefaga, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ulia Ulia, 20 Steve So'oialo, 21 David Lemi, 22 Lolo Lui.

Date: Wednesday, 26 September

Venue: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne

Kick-off: 20.00 (18.00 GMT; 19.00 BST)

Referee: Wayne Barnes

Conditions: Light showers. High 16°C, low 9°C

Touch judges: Hugh Watkins, Mark Lawrence

Television match official: Dave Pearson

Assessor: Bob Francis