With Olympic funding in the pipeline and with more athletes crossing over from traditional American sports, the United States is well-placed to up the stakes in Sevens. The Americans bring a physical approach to the game and coupled with fleet-footed wingers can provide an upset or two but they have discovered that there is still a gap between them and the big boys. Strong Plate contenders - the Stars and Stripes have won three titles in 1986, 1988 and 2001 - they have found themselves struggling to stay at that level in more recent years due to the improving competition. Last year the Eagles reached the semi-finals in the Bowl where Japan pipped them at the post to sneak through with a 14-12 victory.

Mark Bokhoven

1

Mike Palefau

2

Andrew Durutalo

3

Shalom Suniula

4

Zach Test

5

Peter Tiberio

6

Rocco Mauer *

7

Nu'u Punimata

8

Folau Niua

9

Tai Enosa

10

Colin Hawley

11

Nick Edwards

12