USA captain Todd Clever is looking forward to fronting up against the Italians tonight.

The USA forward pack is bracing itself for one of the biggest tests in world rugby when it clashes with Italy at Trafalgar Park tonight.

The Azzurri big men are generally regarded as some of the best in the business, and with a veteran front row including props Martin Castrogiovanni and Salvatore Perugini boasting more than 80 caps apiece, will be looking to set a solid platform as they chase a bonus point win to keep themselves in the hunt for a quarterfinal spot.

The Eagles' pack have not been overpowered at the cup and put up a good show in their loss to the Wallabies on Friday, but the Italians would be another step up, forward coach Dave Hodges said.

"I think they are right up there with the best in the tournament and you saw against Australia, a number of times, that they had physical dominance.

"Over the years I think they have given teams a number of troubles ... even when the All Blacks came through in November they gave them a hard time in the scrum.

"I understand there were some issues around the refereeing of that, but I think at the same time it just points out that they're a tough group to match up against, it's where they start everything off and [what] solidifies their team, and obviously it's a big part of their game plan."

The American pack is well rested, with only lock Hayden Smith backing up from a start in Wellington.

Captain Todd Clever was among those amping to take the pitch, having fully expected to play every match at the tournament.

"I'm hungry for it," he said.

"I didn't get the opportunity to have a run against Australia which I was very disappointed in, but know it will all pay off if we have a great performance tomorrow night."

The Suntory Sungoliath flanker acknowledged the pack would have to have an "extra perfect" night at the office if they were to make inroads.

"They're a Six Nation team that's definitely caused some upsets in their time and they beat some really good teams.

"We're definitely going to be up against it, but the boys are prepared and the boys are hungry and they're fresh, and looking forward to a big match."

USA have never won more that a single match at a World Cup, having registered a total of only two victories before their success against Russia in New Plymouth.

While Clever backed his side, increasing that tally was not necessarily what drove the team.

"A good World Cup, for a team like us, isn't going to be measured on wins and losses. It's going to be measured on how we're improving and how we come together as a team.

"Yeah, we got one win and a team has never won two games at a World Cup," Clever said.

"So, that isn't the goal, we just want to improve and make the people back home really proud."

Meanwhile, Italy have been forced into a late change, with standout fullback Andrea Masi dropping out of the 22 due to a calf injury.

Luke McLean moves into the starting XV, with Giulio Toniolatti, who scored a brace of tries against Russia, coming on to the bench.