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NOLA will look to make it two wins in a row when they square off against the Dallas Jackals at Choctaw Stadium on Saturday. After three straight defeats the Gold finally got one in the win column last weekend in Seattle. The same can’t be said for the Jackals, who have now dropped five straight in their maiden campaign and conceded a record number of points against Utah.
While the Gold’s record suggests that Dallas could sneak a result at home, they’ll have to do so without two more experienced bodies as midfield pair Henry Trinder and Chad London are both ruled out. Inspirational flanker Moe Abdelmonem also remains on the sidelines.
There is good news with the return Todd Gleave, though the former Gloucester hooker settles for a spot on the bench. The only change to the starting pack is a first start for Tommy Madaras at tighthead prop. Second row Shawn Clark could make his Major League Rugby debut as a replacement.
With Trinder out it’s Alejandro Torres who moves into the midfield with new acquisition Cael Hodgson making his first pro appearance on the left wing. Tom Brusati tags in for Dylan James at scrumhalf, while reserve winger Christian Adams is another potential debutante.
The Gold restored some confidence with their dramatic victory over the Seawolves. They have much work to do yet if they hope to jump back into the playoff picture. Kane Thompson has largely kept the faith with his lineup that shows only two changes to the run-on side, both among the forwards.
Eric Howard rotates in at hooker with Pat O’Toole swapping to the bench. Uruguay international Ignacio Dotti completes his return from injury with his first start of the season at lock, with Cam Dolan moving back to his preferred No8 slot. Moni Tonga’uiha switches to the blindside flank with Maciu Koroi among the reserves this week.
It’s an identical backline this week with the only alteration among the replacements. Cian Barry is poised to make his professional bow, taking the backup scrumhalf role from Devereaux Ferris.
Texas has thankfully said goodbye to the cold snap and mild temperatures are expected at game time. Dallas have had two rough outings since their near-miss against Houston and need to front up in the set piece to avoid another blowout loss. Given the strength of the lineup NOLA are easy picks as favorites. Can the Jackals put up a fight at home?
Kickoff is set for 7pm local time, 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern. A local broadcast will be available on Yurview in New Orleans with The Rugby Network streaming worldwide.
DALLAS JACKALS
1 Ryan Bower, 2 Matt Frings, 3 Tommy Madaras, 4 Bronson Teles, 5 Jérémy Lenaerts, 6 Mike Matarazzo, 7 Conrado Roura, 8 Adriaan Booysen, 9 Tom Brusati, 10 Adriaan Carelse, 11 Cael Hodgson, 12 Ned Hodson, 13 Alejandro Torres, 14 Eric Naposki, 15 Chris Pennell (capt.)
Replacements: 16 Todd Gleave, 17 Timmy Ohlwein, 18 Alex Tucci, 19 Shawn Clark, 20 Romain Gadeaux, 21 Dylan James, 22 Campbell Johnstone, 23 Christian Adams
NOLA GOLD
1 Matt Harmon, 2 Eric Howard, 3 Brian Nault, 4 Ignacio Dotti, 5 Billy Stewart, 6 Moni Tonga’uiha, 7 Devin Short, 8 Cam Dolan (capt.), 9 Damian Stevens, 10 Robbie Coleman, 11 Nick Feakes, 12 JP du Plessis, 13 Juan Cappiello, 14 Harley Wheeler, 15 Carl Meyer
Replacements: 16 Pat O’Toole, 17 Kevin Sullivan, 18 Dino Waldren, 19 William Waguespack, 20 Maciu Koroi, 21 Cian Barry, 22 Aaron Matthews, 23 Ross Depperschmidt
Date: Saturday, March 12
Venue: Choctaw Stadium, Arlington
Kickoff: 19:00 local (17:00 Pacific, 20:00 Eastern)
Referee: Marquise Goodwin (USA)
Assistants: De Wet Roos (USA) & Shawn Martin (USA)
TMO: Luke Rogan (USA)
Broadcasts: The Rugby Network, Yurview
HISTORICAL RESULTS
n/a
