USA men's 15s head coach Gary Gold has made six changes to the Eagles' starting lineup for their Americans Rugby Championship match against host Brazil in Sao Jose dos Campos on Saturday.

After going 3-0 in homes games at the ARC, the Eagles have been in Brazil adjusting to hot, humid weather and preparing to avoid the USA's 2016 upset loss to the Brazilians.

"The boys have done an excellent job opening the tournament at home but we need to remain focused and continue to improve in critical areas," said Gold, indicating how the squad has approached the last week of training. "Our next two matches will be a challenge as both Brazil and Uruguay will need us to put an extra emphasis on the set piece."

FULL ARC SCORES AND STANDINGS

The Eagles have also unveiled a snappy attacking approach that uses short passes to onrushing support runners. It's basically carte blanche to run a crashball with any two players.

With an attack plan that is becoming more wide open, the Eagles will be looking to repeat last year's 51-3 defeat of the Brazilians.

"[I was] proud of the way our new guys stood out last week and how the older players have stepped up to guide them along the way," Gold said. "This is a dynamic we will strive build on as we continue to defend the tournament title as a collective."

Gold has changed up several spots in the lineup. Dylan Fawsitt gets his first USA start at hooker, and Chris Baumann, the Leicester Tiger, has been released to play, which is a nice boost for the Eagles.

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In the second row, Nick Civetta returns after being with his family after his grandfather passed away. Civetta and Baumann help anchor the USA's set piece, which will be especially critical on the road. Hanco Germishuys returns to the back row, spelling Tony Lamborn, who goes to the bench. 

Shaun Davies gets his first start of the year at scrumhalf, with Nate Augspurger retaining the captain's job and moving to wing. Ryan Matyas returns to San Diego. Everyone else, including new caps Dylan Audsley, Josh Whippy, and Psalm Wooching, retains his starting spot.

Cam Dolan, Will Magie, Bryce Campbell, Mike Te'o, and Augspurger are the only players to start all four games this season. Ruben de Haas can get his first USA cap if he comes off the bench.

— A USA Rugby press release contributed to this report

2018 Americas Rugby Championship

USA MEN’S EAGLES STARTERS

1. Huluholo Moungaloa | Life West Gladiators
2. Dylan Fawsitt | Old Blue of New York
3. Chris Baumann | Leicester Tigers (ENG)
4. Ben Landry | Glendale Raptors
5. Nick Civetta | Newcastle Falcons (ENG)
6. Psalm Wooching | Seattle Saracens  
7. Hanco Germishuys | Austin Elite 
8. Cam Dolan | San Diego Legion 
9. Shaun Davies | Glendale Raptors 
10. Will Magie | Glendale Raptors 
11. Josh Whippy | Utah Warriors  
12. Bryce Campbell | Glendale Raptors 
13. Dylan Audsley | San Diego Legion 
14. Nate Augspurger (C)| San Diego Legion  
15.  Mike Te’o | San Diego Legion 

RESERVES

1. Peter Malcolm | Austin Elite 
2. Anthony Purpura | San Diego Legion  
3. Angus Maclellan | Utah Warriors 
4. Matt Jensen  | Utah Warriors 
5. Tony Lamborn | Hawkes Bay (NZL)
6. Ruben de Haas | Free State Cheetahs Academy (RSA) 
7. Ben Cima | San Diego Legion
8. Paul Lasike | Utah Warriors

STAFF
Gary Gold: Head Coach
Greg McWilliams: Assistant Coach - Backs & Attack
Scott Lawrence: Assistant Coach - Defense
Shawn Pittman: Assistant Coach - Set Piece
Chris Hanson: Team Manager
Dave Hodges: Men's Eagles General Manager
Jimmy Harrison: Performance Analyst
Kevin Ng: Head ATC
Dr. Jeff Mjaanes: Team Doctor (Feb. 18 - March 4)