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Denver has two weeks to make up the six-point gap that Ohio has opened up at the top of the table. Their first opportunity to take positive steps towards the title comes against Sacramento, who arrive at CIBER Field on Sunday. The Express got a bit of their mojo back after a rough start against the Aviators last weekend, and look ready to give their hosts a decent run for their money.
Only one change has been made to the Stampede lineup. Casey Rock drops out and Luke White is handed a start at lock having been used exclusively as a prop until a reserve appearance last week. Christian Wiessing takes Rock’s spot on the roster as he returns to the squad after missing the last two games.
Sacramento have Eric Fry available and the Eagles prop replaces Valdemar Lee-Lo at loosehead in the only change to the pack. In the backs, Pate Takiveikata and Mirco Bergamasco swap spots in the midfield and Garrett Brewer runs out at the unusual position of wing in place of Joeli Tikoisuva. Chris Saint is fit to start again at scrumhalf, with Jope Motokana moving to the bench.
The Stampede have been near unstoppable all season with their only defeat coming against Ohio in Week 10. They breezed past San Diego last Sunday and with minimal disruptions should be expected to perform similarly against Sacramento. The absence of Casey Rock does make them vulnerable at the lineout, however, and if Robert Meeson and Matt Doubek can disrupt there it could throw the Stampede out of stride somewhat. On paper this is Denver’s game to lose.
DENVER STAMPEDE
1 Ben Tarr 2 Zach Fenoglio 3 Chris Baumann 4 Luke White 5 Logan Collins 6 Hanco Germishuys 7 Peter Dahl 8 Pedrie Wannenburg (capt.) 9 Mose Timoteo 10 Will Magie 11 Timana Tahu 12 Ata Malifa 13 Chad London 14 Mike Garrity 15 Maximo de Achaval
16 Nick Wallace 17 Jake Turnbull 18 Soane Leger 19 Christian Wiessing 20 Zac Pauga 21 Bobby Impson 22 Kyle Hitt 23 Dustin Croy
SACRAMENTO EXPRESS
1 Eric Fry 2 Cameron Falcon 3 Estephan Tuamasaga 4 Robert Meeson 5 Matt Doubek 6 Kyle Sumsion 7 John Quill (capt.) 8 Langi Haupeakui 9 Chris Saint 10 Harry Bennett 11 Garrett Brewer 12 Pate Takiveikata 13 Mirco Bergamasco 14 Cody Jerabek 15 Alex Hodgkinson
16 Kali Tavake 17 Toke Kefu 18 Olive Kilifi 19 Ryan Koewler 20 Sione Latu 21 Ronald Dwyer 22 Jope Motokana 23 Shane Moore
Date: Sunday, July 17
Venue: CIBER Field, Denver
Kickoff: 15:00 local (14:00 PDT, 17:00 EDT)
Referee: Kurt Weaver
Assistants: Derek Summers & Paul Knowles
Broadcasts: PRO Rugby (web stream)
Tickets: TicketsWest
