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With six games under their belt at Constellation Field the Houston SaberCats are now into the home stretch of their preseason schedule, with three tough matches in quick succession. First up is the New York Athletic Club, a team steeped in history with five national Division 1 championships to their name. Their arrival coincides with the official confirmation of New York as a new Major League Rugby franchise in 2019, and the club is expected to be a significant source of talent for the new professional team.
A solid front row sets the platform for NYAC, with Kirk Hamilton playing for the USA Islanders team against Saracens last year and Anthony Parry a veteran of PRO Rugby with the Ohio Aviators. Former Penn State tighthead Brian McKellar anchors the scrum.
There are Junior All-American selections in second row Pat Coleman, flanker Ross Deacon, and replacement lock Ryan McTiernan. The latter was also a teammate of Parry’s at the Aviators.
Former Connacht academy scrumhalf Marcus Walsh forms an impressive halfback partnership with captain Harry Bennett, a standout with the Sacramento Express in PRO. US Eagles World Cup starter Seamus Kelly partners Quentin Pradere in the midfield, one of two players with Canadian connections. Pradere is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal while fullback Jack Fitzpatrick has represented Canada at u20 and Senior ‘A’ level.
The SaberCats have not tinkered much with their winning formula, making only three changes to the team that eased past the Chicago Lions last weekend. All come in the pack. Diego Maquieira rotates back in at hooker with Robert Meeson and Cecil Garber restored at second row and openside flanker respectively.
On the bench there is a first appearance for prop Jake Turnbull in 2018 after recovering from injury. Pago Haini is also included after missing the last three games and Chris Coyle is set to make his debut after being a late scratch against the Lions.
Kickoff is set for 7pm local time. There is no live stream but audio commentary provided by Grant Cole and Brett Mills is available on MIXLR.
HOUSTON SABERCATS
1 Adam Macklin, 2 Diego Maquieira, 3 Paul Mullen, 4 Charlie Hewitt, 5 Robert Meeson, 6 Kyle Sumsion (capt.), 7 Cecil Garber, 8 Matt Trouville, 9 Connor Murphy, 10 Sam Windsor, 11 Josua Vici, 12 Conor Mills, 13 Osea Kolinisau, 14 Malacchi Esdale, 15 Zach Pangelinan
Replacements: 16 Lindsey Stevens, 17 Jake Turnbull, 18 Chauntez Jackson, 19 Justin Allen, 20 Chris Parker, 21 Chris Coyle, 22 Chris Slater, 23 Kieran Farmer, 24 Dan Paul, 25 Pago Haini
NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB
1 Kirk Hamilton, 2 Anthony Parry, 3 Brian McKellar, 4 Gethin Davies, 5 Pat Coleman, 6 Ross Deacon, 7 James Denise, 8 Mike Webb, 9 Marcus Walsh, 10 Harry Bennett (capt.), 11 Charles Guiraud, 12 Quentin Pradere, 13 Seamus Kelly, 14 Greg Voigt, 15 Jack Fitzpatrick
Replacements: 16 John Santiago, 17 Adam Zeich, 18 Brandon Wynne, 19 Ryan McTiernan, 20 Sean Beuche, 21 Stuart Williamson, 22 David Snead, 23 Joe Kelly
Date: Saturday, February 17
Venue: Constellation Field, Sugar Land
Kickoff: 19:00 local (17:00 Pacific, 20:00 Eastern)
Broadcasts: MIXLR (audio only)
