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The Glendale Raptors pulled off the great escape against Rugby United New York last weekend. They’ll be hoping to find that winning feeling again when the Utah Warriors arrive on Saturday but their visitors may no be so accommodating after tasting victory themselves against Austin.
There are only two changes to the run-on side for Glendale. Chad Gough moves up to hooker in the absence of Zach Fenoglio, and Robbie Petzer is fit to resume duties in the midfield in place of Mika Kruse, who bumps to the bench.
Max Lum will provide hooker backup having made two previous appearances at the position this season. Mickey Bateman tags in for Carlo de Nysschen as backup scrumhalf, and Eagles flyhalf Will Magie again plays second fiddle to Ata Malifa.
Utah have made just two changes to the lineup. John Cullen returns to the starting No8 spot at the expense of Arthur Bergo. James Semple is ruled out so Don Pati switches to fullback and Josh Anderson comes in on the wing.
It’s another must-win match for Glendale, whose playoff hopes rest in a successful. Utah can still play the spoiler role as they look to earn back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Their last meeting resulted in a draw at Zions Bank Sadium. The Raptors have proven themselves he better prepared of the two since, but the Warriors are every bit capable of pulling off the upset.
Kickoff is set for 7pm local time, 6pm Pacific, 9pm Eastern. A live stream will be available on 9News.com, with KJZZ broadcasting locally in Salt Lake City.
GLENDALE RAPTORS
1 Noah Barker, 2 Chad Gough, 3 Marco Fepulea’i, 4 Brendan Daly, 5 Luke White, 6 Malon Al-Jiboori, 7 Peter Dahl, 8 Murphy Taramai, 9 Shaun Davies (capt.), 10 Ata Malifa, 11 John Ryberg, 12 Robbie Petzer, 13 Chad London, 14 Harley Davidson, 15 Dylan Taikato-Simpson
Replacements: 16 Max Lum, 17 Blake Rogers, 18 Kelepi Fifita, 19 Kody O’Neil, 20 Connor Cook, 21 Mickey Bateman, 22 Will Magie, 23 Mika Kruse
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Franco van den Berg, 2 Jeremy Leber, 3 Angus MacLellan, 4 Saia Uhila, 5 Matt Jensen, 6 Lance Williams, 7 Ara Elkington, 8 John Cullen, 9 Johnny Ika, 10 Josh Reeves, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 12 Tim O’Malley (capt.), 13 Gannon Moore, 14 Josh Anderson, 15 Don Pati
Replacements: 16 Alex Tucci, 17 Frikkie de Beer, 18 Metai Tu’imoala, 19 Kenny Scott, 20 Arthur Bergo, 21 Nolan Tuamoheloa, 22 Josh Whippy, 23 Joseph Nicholls
Date: Saturday, May 4
Venue: Infinity Park, Glendale
Kickoff: 19:00 local (18:00 Pacific, 21:00 Eastern)
Referee: Scott Green (USAR)
Assistants: Robin Kaluzniak (RC) & Cam Pettit (USAR)
Broadcasts: 9News, KJZZ
