Pool A USA v Tonga:United States centre Paul Emerick's World Cup is effectively over after he received a five-week ban for a dangerous tackle on the England outhalf Olly Barkley last Saturday.
Newport Gwent Dragons player Emerick was cited by match commissioner Steven Hines following the incident during the Pool A game in Lens.
Emerick has 48 hours to decide on a possible appeal, and has been named in the team for today, but with the USA likely to bow out of World Cup contention at the pool stage, his tournament looks to be over.
Tonga promise to be a tough challenge for the Americans, given the Eagles are back in action less than 96 hours after facing England.
Tonga received a late boost ahead of the game when captain Nili Latu was declared fit.
USA:C Wyles; S Sika, P Emerick, V Esikia, T Ngwenya; M Hercus (capt), C Erskine; M McDonald, O Lentz, C osentowski; L Gross, M Mangan; L Stanfill, T Clever, H Bloomfield. Replacements: B Burdette, M Moeakiola, H Mexted, I Basauri, M Petri, V Malifa, A Tuipulotu.
TONGA:V Lilo; T Tu'ifua, S Hufanga, E Taione, J Vaka; P Hola, S Havea; S Tonga'uiha, A Lutui, K Pulu; L Fa'aoso, P Hehea; H T Pole, N Latu (capt), F Maka. Replacements: E Taukafa, T Toke, V Vaki, L Filipine, S Tu'ipulotu, I Tupou, A Havili.
Referee:S Dickinson (Australia)
