A staple (10) having a backspan (12) and a first (14) and second (16) leg extending distally from the backspan (12). Each of the first (14) and second (16) legs includes a bend zone (30,32) dividing each leg into a traversing leg portion (32,42) and a linear clenching leg portion (38,44). When formed through tissue, each of the clenching leg portions (38,44) of the first (14) and second (16) legs are formed substantially parallel to the backspan (12). A staple assembly (70) is also provided including a substantially box staple (10) having a backspan (12) and a first (14) and a second (16) leg extending distally from the backspan (12). The staple assembly (70) includes a staple plate (72) positionable over the first (14) and second (16) legs.
