It is shaping as a perfect storm, a Wallaby side slapped awake by World Cup reality and a second-string USA team hoping they can last the distance.



There were conflicting moods in the opposing camps yesterday as Australian coach Robbie Deans and his American counterpart Eddie O'Sullivan unveiled their teams for a pool C match that's taken on an unexpected edge.



It was hard not to feel a bit for O'Sullivan as he announced an Eagles side containing 14 changes to the one that beat Russia 13-6 in New Plymouth.



He's been around long enough to know an Aussie backlash awaits after their shock 15-6 loss to Ireland and has set his sights accordingly.



"That we play from start to finish, that we stick to our plans and systems and when we are under pressure we don't abandon ship, particularly the last 20 minutes staying in striking distance as long as we can,'' he said when asked what would constitute a good night at the office this Friday.



"We will be a bit punch drunk at times, but we have to stay in there and keep swinging... that's always the case when you're boxing outside your weight category.''



Across the ring, or more accurately about a kilometre down the road, a brooding Wycliff Palu had a different demeanour after taking Radike Samo's place at No 8 in one of six changes to the side that started against Ireland.



"The big thing we've talked about since that game is that from here on in it's do or die,'' Palu said before confirming he was well sick of the endless talk about how Australia's loss has put them on a tougher side of the draw.



Ireland's win and his own experiences at the 2007 tournament, he said, had reinforced his view that there is no such thing as easier or harder draws at World Cups.



"Before the weekend everyone was writing off the Irish, they had struggled against the US and that, but my experience with World Cups is form don't count for anything. It's who turns up on the day and has the best 80 minutes will win it.''



Irishman O'Sullivan probably won't be sending any thank-you notes to his countrymen with Palu confirming Ireland's tactics would probably see a more physical approach from the Wallabies.



"Our body height was too high, simple as that. Once they get a hold of you they are a big pack and once they get numbers to the ball it's hard to get it off them.



"In the southern hemisphere teams are more worried about the speed of the ball and they don't really contest unless they get the dominant tackle.''



Wallaby skipper Will Genia indicated a more simple and structured approach was likely against the Eagles - a change in tack that probably won't help a US team containing a host of players who will be playing their first World Cup matches, including Australian born skipper and halfback Tim Usasz.



Australia have rested openside David Pocock (back) and wing James O'Connor (hamstring) and lost flanker Scott Higginbotham (back) to a late training injury, his place at blindside taken by Rocky Elsom.



In the backs, Rob Horne comes in at second five-eighth with Pat McCabe dropping to the reserves, while Drew Mitchell comes into the side on the wing.



Nathan Sharpe and Rob Simmons are the locks with James Slipper starting at loosehead prop.