BUENOS AIRES, 23 August 2003 — Prop Richard Liddington and lock Gerhard Klerck will make their debuts for the United States in the test against Argentina today.
Both were included in coach Tom Billups’ 49-man extended World Cup squad that was announced in July and had strong performances for the ‘A’ squad last month against Russia. The US is using the four-nation Pan-American tournament, that also includes Uruguay and Canada, as a buildup for the World Cup in Australia that begins on Oct. 10. “The match with Argentina serves our World Cup preparation well,” said Billups.
“We will face a very hard, physical opponent, and some members of our side can make a claim for further selection in this series which would also further their World Cup chances.”
Several first-choice players including No. 8 Dan Lyle, flanker Conrad Hodgson, and wing David Fee, have been rested for today’s tie. Several players who impressed for the US ‘A’ side in their 30-21 loss to Russia in Krasnoyarsk start against the Pumas.
Right wing Jone Naqica will start in the first team for the first time in 2003 while John Buchholz is at fullback with ‘A’ team captain Mose Timoteo on the left wing.
South African Hooker
Withdrawn From Squad
In Johannesburg, South African hooker Lukas van Biljon has been withdrawn from the national squad’s World Cup training camp for off the field misbehavior, the head of South African Rugby said yesterday.
SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd managing director Rian Oberholzer said the national governing body, the South African Ruby Football Union, was investigating allegations against van Biljon.
