HOOKER Joe Taufete’e says USA Eagles want to “turn some heads” in the Rugby World Cup as they face England in Kobe City on Thursday (11.45am).

The Worcester Warriors ace has been named in the starting line-up for USA’s opening match of the tournament.

Th Eagles, managed by ex-Warriors boss Gary Gold, also face France, Argentina and Tonga in Pool C.

But Taufete’e who holds the record for the most international tries scored by a front rower with 20 touchdowns in 23 Tests is relishing the challenge.

“It’s pretty much the toughest pool in the whole World Cup,” Taufete’e said.

“But for us it’s about setting individual goals and one thing we are pushing for is to turn some heads.

“Coming back from our little Six Nations (Americas Rugby Championship in March), we learned a lot of lessons.

“One lesson was to take one game at a time and look at what is in front of us.”

Eddie Jones’ England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a bonus-point 35-3 win over Tonga last Sunday.

Taufete’e could go head to head with ex-Warriors team-mate Jack Singleton who has been named as a replacement hooker by England.

“I think England will have to have their heads up for us,” Taufete’e said.

“I am looking forward to it.

“To play against England will be a real challenge.”

On the impact of Gold who left Warriors become USA’s head coach in December 2017, Taufete’e added: “Gary brings a lot of enthusiasm to the game of rugby.

“Just sitting in a meeting with him you get pumped up ready to play.

“For me to come into that (environment) and for him to know me as a player really helps me grow.”