Ex-Randwick Skipper Den Hoedt to Start for USA XV Against Australia A in Nashville

The USA XV has turned to one of its newest internationals for a heavyweight test, naming former Randwick captain Nathan Den Hoedt in the starting second row for this week's clash with Australia A in Nashville, Tennessee. Den Hoedt, a Brisbane City lock, has climbed quickly through the American game. He signed overseas at just 23, spending time with the LA Giltinis before spells with the Houston SaberCats and the Chicago Hounds — where he was part of the side that completed an undefeated Major League Rugby campaign this year. That form earned him a USA Eagles debut in July, followed by appearances at the World Rugby Nations Cup, the USA XV's meeting with an Argentina XV in Miami, and the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup in Japan. He will pack down alongside captain Jason Damm in the engine room, behind a front row of Payton Telea-Ilalio, Shil Klein and Tonga Kofe. The loose forwards are Bengamin Bonasso at blindside flanker, Paddy Ryan and Makeen Alikhan, while Oscar Lennon gets the nod at scrum-half with Ruben De Haas on the bench. Chris Hilsenbeck, who slotted the clutch match-winner against Portugal in July, starts at fly-half, and Marno Redelinghuys provides cover wearing No. 20.