Australian-born scrumhalf Tim Usasz will captain the United States for the first time in its Rugby World Cup Pool C match against Australia on Friday.



Usasz, who was born in Brisbane in Australia's Queensland state, will oppose Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia, who is Brisbane-based and has been named captain of Australia for the first time.



United States coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made 14 changes to the lineup which beat Russia 13-6 for a match which has taken on new significance with Australia's 15-6 loss to Ireland last Saturday.



The only player to retain his spot from the lineup that played Russia is lock Hayden Smith, who is also Australian-born.

United States: Blaine Scully, Colin Hawley, Tai Enosa, Junior Sifa, Kevin Swiryn, Nese Malifa, Tim Usasz (captain), JJ Gagiano, Pat Danahy, Inaki Basauri, Hayden Smith, Scott LaValla, Eric Fry, Phil Thiel, Shawn Pittman. Reserves: Brian McClenahan, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Louis Stanfill, Nic Johnson, Mike Petri, Roland Suniula, Chris Wyles.