CERI Sweeney took on a new role for Wales on Saturday and went close to creating a new national record. The Newport Gwent Dragons star was handed the inside centre position occupied by Gavin Henson last season as Wales coach Mike Ruddock switched him from his normal outside half position.

It was the first start at inside centre for Sweeney for Wales and he showed his skill in his new position, but it was in the goal kicking department where he really shone.

After a season notable only for its inconsistency for the Dragons, Sweeney really had his kicking boots on for Wales as he converted all 11 Welsh tries in a one-sided romp against the hapless Americans in Connecticut on Saturday night.

That was just three short of the record set by Henson against Japan last Autumn.

Sweeney also crossed for Wales' first try in Wales' scoring spree to boast a match haul of 27 points. An understandably delighted Sweeney said, "Kicking 11 out of 11 is the best I've had, I can't do any better than that.

"I also enjoyed it at inside centre, though it may be a bit different against a better side. But if I can play at 12 as well as 10 I've got more chance of getting selected."

The result, Wales' biggest ever against the USA, makes it seven matches unbeaten for the Grand Slam champions, who face Canada in Toronto next Saturday.

Just five players remained from the Wales side which clinched their first Grand Slam in 27 years against Ireland.

But Wales, unbeaten since going down to New Zealand some five months ago, wasted little time in displaying their dominance when Sweeney dived over after just two minutes and 45 seconds.

Having been denied a score within a minute by a last-ditch Eagles tackle in the corner, Sweeney made no mistake moments later when a break by number eight Ryan Jones left him with an easy walk-in for the try, which he easily converted.

Craig Morgan was the next to benefit as USA failed to cope with the speed of the Welsh movement, finishing off a sustained period of possession in the left-hand corner to seal a 12th-minute score which Sweeney improved.

Hercus got the hosts on the scoresheet with a 15th-minute penalty, but outside half Nicky Robinson increased the visitors' lead when he made the most of a Mike Phillips break a minute later before Phillips set up Kevin Morgan for a fourth converted try within 19 minutes.

The Eagles tried their best to force their way back, but a mixture of mistakes and tough Welsh tackling kept them at bay, and after 34 minutes Wales scored a fifth converted try thanks to a Jon Thomas push-over.

And the first half rout of 42-3 was completed on the whistle when Rhys Williams sped home into the corner after good work from Sweeney.

Ruddock made the most of the healthy lead by handing Ben Broster his debut, the Saracens prop replacing Adam Jones, and immediately had a hand in setting up Colin Charvis for a 49th-minute try, his 18th in 76 Tests.

Phillips made an 80-metre run-in look all too easy as he sped home after 54 minutes, before Charvis extended his record further with a simple try three minutes later.

And the game was wrapped up in convincing fashion as Scarlets' Tal Selley finished off with a a debut try for the replacement before fellow replacement Richie Pugh also got his first Test try in injury time.

l Wales are waiting for the result of fitness tests to Ryan Jones, Craig Morgan and Mefin Davies before naming the side to face Canada.