Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The San Diego Legion will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they host the Houston SaberCats at Torero Stadium on Saturday evening. A win over defending champions Seattle was an early triumph for the Legion, and with a reasonably consistent lineup for a third consecutive game the chance to build some momentum is an important one.
Only three changes have been made to the run-on side as the Pifeleti brothers – Faka’osi and Kapeli – start in the front row with Nathan Sylvia and Dean Muir rotating to the reserves. Returning from Eagles Sevens duty is Pat Blair who replaces Alec Barton as back row cover.
Joe Pietersen has recovered from the head knock he suffered last weekend to retain this spot as captain and flyhalf leaving the return of Conor Kearns at fullback the only alteration in the backline. Kyle Rogers takes up a bench spot at the expense of Save Totovosau and Nate Augspurger continues his return to play from injury wearing a substitutes jersey.
The SaberCats had the week off after surprising Austin Elite in their season opener. Justin Fitzpatrick has stuck with the same group of forwards with the only change on the bench where former NOLA Gold hooker Amro Gouda replaces Jack Riley.
As expected its Connor Murphy who starts at scrumhalf with Santiago Arata serving the first of a three-week suspension. Kieran Farmer is asked to provide cover on the bench. The other notable change sees the return of Fijian star Josua Vici who replaces Joe Kelly in a straight swap on the left wing.
Houston did well to earn the win at Dell Diamond and did so largely thanks to the boot of Sam Windsor who kicked all 21 points. His prowess will be needed again with rain set to slow down San Diego’s attack somewhat, though that also threatens to keep Vici’s impact in check.
The Legion proved against the Seawolves, however, that the are not just fair-weather fighters and with home field advantage have no shortage of motivation. Look for the new-found strength in the San Diego pack to provide the platform and Pietersen’s class to see them through.
Kickoff is set for 7pm local time, 10pm Eastern. Live broadcasts will be available CBS Sports Network. Those in Canada and abroad can watch a live stream available on the official MLR Facebook page.
SAN DIEGO LEGION
1 Faka’osi Pifeleti, 2 Kapeli Pifeleti, 3 Paddy Ryan, 4 Louis Stanfill, 5 Keni Nasoqeqe, 6 Chris Turori, 7 Devin Short, 8 Drew Gaffney, 9 Nick Boyer, 10 Joe Pietersen (capt.), 11 Marcus Tupuola, 12 JP du Plessis, 13 Jasa Veremalua, 14 Mike Te’o, 15 Conor Kearns
Replacements: 16 Dean Muir, 17 Nathan Sylvia, 18 Aaron Mitchell, 19 Sione Tu’ihalamaka, 20 Pat Blair, 21 Nate Augspurger, 22 Tai Enosa, 23 Kyle Rogers
HOUSTON SABERCATS
1 Jamie Dever, 2 Pat O’Toole, 3 Charlie Connolly, 4 Robert Meeson, 5 Matt Trouville (capt.), 6 Luke Beauchamp, 7 Cecil Garber, 8 Ayron Schramm, 9 Connor Murphy, 10 Sam Windsor, 11 Josua Vici, 12 Conor Mills, 13 Max Tacket, 14 Malacchi Esdale, 15 Zach Pangelinan
Replacements: 16 Amro Gouda, 17 Jake Turnbull, 18 Matt Almeida, 19 Chris Parker, 20 Chris Coyle, 21 Kieran Farmer, 22 Kelly Kolberg, 23 Irving Carcamo
Date: Saturday, February 9
Venue: Torero Stadium, San Diego
Kickoff: 19:00 local (22:00 Eastern)
Referee: Pali Deluca (UAR)
Assistants: Scott Green (USAR) & Paul-Henri Courbier (USAR)
Broadcasts: CBS Sports Network, Facebook
