The United States and France experienced vastly different World Cup openers a week ago. 

The Eagles suffered a lopsided 45-7 defeat to the English in a contest where they didn't see much ball and remained scoreless until the final play. 

France, meanwhile, scored a hugely important victory over Argentina, 23-21. Despite a stirring second-half comeback from the Pumas, France were able to hang on for the win, which could well be the result that sees them through to the quarterfinals. 

Few people expect the Eagles to go and defeat France tomorrow, but those opinions mean nothing to the United States players. Both the team and head coach Gary Gold know that they can play better than they did against England, and on their day it's possible to spring an upset. 

Wet, humid conditions are expected at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, with a nearby typhoon on the radar. 

A few changes for the Eagles

Gary Gold has made five changes to the starting lineup that faced England.

Flanker Hanco Germishuys enters the starting lineup following John Quill's suspension, Mike Te'o takes the place of injured fullback Will Hooley, and Bryce Campbell fills in at center for Paul Lasike. Nate Brakeley also slides in for Ben Landry in the second row, with Eric Fry coming into the front row for the injured David Ainuu. 

USA 7s stars Martin Iosefo, who started against England, and Ben Pinkelman are both in the lineup. Should Pinkelman enter the game, it will be his first appearance in the 15s edition of the World Cup. 

United States (15-1): Mike Teo, Blaine Scully (c), Marcel Brache, Bryce Campbell, Martin Iosefo, AJ MacGinty, Shaun Davies; Cam Dolan, Hanco Germishuys, Tony Lamborn, Nick Civetta, Nate Brakeley, Titi Lamositele, Joe Taufetee, Eric Fry
Reserves: Dylan Fawsitt, Olive Kilifi, Paul Mullen, Greg Peterson, Ben Pinkelman, Ruben de Haas, Will Magie, Thretton Palamo

Wholesale changes for Les Bleus

Jacques Brunel has retained just three starters from their opening-round triumph against Argentina. Flanker Arthur Iturria, wing Yohan Huget, and center Gael Fickou are the lone survivors from that match. 

Veteran No. 8 Louis Picamoles will captain the squad, while Camille Lopez, the hero of the Argentina match, takes the reins from 20-year-old Romain Ntamack at flyhalf. 

France (15-1): Thomas Ramos, Alivereti Raka, Sofiane Guitoune, Gael Fickou, Yoann Huget, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud; Louis Picamoles (c), Yacouba Camara, Arthur Iturria, Paul Gabrillagues, Bernard Le Roux, Emerick Setiano, Camille Chat, Cyril Baille
Reserves: Guilhem Guirado, Jefferson Poirot, Rabah Slimani, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Gregory Alldritt, Baptiste Serin, Romain Ntamack, Maxime Medard