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In an uncanny twist of fate, the two sides destined to meet in the Western Conference Final just a week from now will do battle at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday. It’s not quite a preview of the knock-out match, however, with the Utah Warriors and LA Giltinis taking different approaches in the last round of the regular season.
LA were the winners when the two sides met in a memorable encounter at SoFi Stadium earlier in the season. It’s not revenge that will be driving the Warriors, however. A win could put them in a strong position to host the Championship Final should they prove victorious at Memorial Stadium next weekend, though the results of key Eastern Conference battles this weekend will also have a say.
With that in mind Shawn Pittman has named a near full strength side with the notable returns of international tourists Michael Baska, Calvin Whiting, Mika Kruse, Mike Te’o, Paul Mullen, and Fraser Hurst. Only the latter did not see action during the July test window though the Canadian scrumhalf has proved an influential figure in his first season as a professional.
Other changes see Olive Kilifi and Sama Malolo rotating into the front row for Franco van den Berg and Veremalua Vugakoto. Hagen Schulte runs out at flyhalf with Josh Whippy shifting back to the wing from the midfield. Logan Tago retains his spot on the bench with Cliven Loubser sitting out.
The Giltinis have already clinched first overall and home field advantage throughout the playoffs so have little to play for. They have opted to give a number of their big name players such as Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper the week off to heal sore bodies.
Meanwhile Angus Cottrell sits out due to suspension that will keep him out of the lineup until the Final. Worse news for LA fans is that Scotland international and first choice No8 Adam Ashe will play no further part in 2021 after rupturing a bicep against Austin last week.
Better news sees the return of Christian Poidevin on the flank and Langilangi Haupeakui on the bench. Luke Carty and Ryan James return from Eagles duty and there are two potential debutantes on the bench as academy duo Dylan James and Cyrille Cama cover scrumhalf and loose forward respectively.
In what is likely a first for the season, the Giltinis can be considered clear underdogs heading into Utah. The Warriors enjoy home field advantage, a virtually uncompromised lineup, and a significantly stronger bench that is certain to make an impact with stifling heat on the forecast.
Kickoff is set for 6pm local time, 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern. CBS Sports Network will broadcast in Canada and the USA, with The Rugby Network streaming to viewers located abroad.
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Olive Kilifi, 2 Sama Malolo, 3 Angus MacLellan, 4 Aston Fortuin, 5 Matt Jensen, 6 Lance Williams, 7 Bailey Wilson (capt.), 8 Jurie van Vuuren, 9 Michael Baska, 10 Hagen Schulte, 11 Josh Whippy, 12 Calvin Whiting, 13 Tyler Fisher, 14 Mika Kruse, 15 Mike Te’o
Replacements: 16 Veremalua Vugakoto, 17 Franco van den Berg, 18 Paul Mullen, 19 Saia Uhila, 20 Mike Gieselman, 21 Fraser Hurst, 22 Logan Tago, 23 James Vaifale
LA GILTINIS
1 Sione Tu’ihalamaka, 2 Mahe Vailanu, 3 Charlie Abel, 4 Nathan Den Hoedt, 5 Luke White, 6 Sean O’Brien, 7 Christian Poidevin, 8 Pago Haini, 9 Cristian Rodriguez, 10 Luke Carty, 11 Adam Channel, 12 Luke Burton, 13 Glenn Bryce, 14 Ryan James, 15 Serupepeli Vularika
Replacements: 16 Gelen Robinson, 17 Blake Rogers, 18 Ma’ake Muti, 19 Langilangi Haupeakui, 20 Ben Weischedel, 21 Dylan James, 22 Cyrille Cama, 23 John Ryberg
Date: Saturday, July 17
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman
Kickoff: 18:00 local (17:00 Pacific, 20:00 Eastern)
Referee: Mike Lash (New Zealand)
Assistants: Kahlil Harrison (USA) & Niku Kruger (USA)
Broadcasts: CBS Sports Network, The Rugby Network
Historical Results
2021-05-15 – LA Giltinis 38, Utah Warriors 27 (SoFi Stadium)
