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Rugby New York host the San Diego Legion on Sunday in a classic East-West rivalry that has never failed to deliver a compelling contest. In five previous meetings the average margin of victory is just 5 points, with only one match finishing beyond a converted try. San Diego currently hold a 3-2 edge in the series despite losing their most recent fixture in Las Vegas a year ago.
Both sides enter the match near the top of their respective conferences. New York are in second place in the East with a 3-1 record, just one point back of Rugby ATL. With one extra match played San Diego are 4-1 and trail the unbeaten Austin Gilgronis by three points in the West.
The Legion’s win-loss record is notable given they have yet to produce an 80-minute performance this season. Against Old Glory they started strong but faded badly in the second half, capitalising on a DC mistake to put the game out of reach. Danny Lee will be acutely aware that more is required to beat a New York side that will ask more questions of the Legion’s defense.
Ma’a Nonu is ruled out for a second straight week with Tiaan Loots continuing to wear the No12 shirt. The only change in the backline comes at scrumhalf where Jason Higgins is given his first start in a San Diego jersey, with Nate Augspurger swapping to the bench.
Hencus van Wyk returns at tighthead prop, and Dan Pryor comes in on the blindside flank with Chris Robshaw wearing a reserve number this week. There are two new arrivals set to make their Major League Rugby debuts alongside in loosehead prop Joe Walsh and second or back row Rohan O’Regan.
The sting of defeat was felt by New York for the first time this season in their home opener against New England last week. They were buoyed by the sold-out crowd but couldn’t find a way to stop Free Jacks maestro Beaudein Waaka from dictating proceedings.
At the time of writing New York have yet to provide their lineup.
Freezing cold conditions at game time are expected and will no doubt be a shock to San Diego’s system. New York will be more accustomed to the weather but that doesn’t mean they will relish it. Whichever team executes at the set piece is likely to come out on top. Give the edge to the home side in another close encounter.
Kickoff is set for 3pm local time, noon Pacific. A local broadcast will be available on Fox 5 San Diego with The Rugby Network streaming worldwide.
RUGBY NEW YORK
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SAN DIEGO LEGION
1 Nathan Sylvia, 2 Matt Moulds, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 4 Ben Mitchell, 5 Ben Grant, 6 Dan Pryor, 7 Michael Smith, 8 Tevita Tameilau (capt.), 9 Jason Higgins, 10 Will Hooley, 11 Matías Freyre, 12 Tiaan Loots, 13 Thomas Morani, 14 Kainoa Lloyd, 15 Joe Pietersen
Replacements: 16 Peter Malcolm, 17 Joe Walsh, 18 Chris Baumann, 19 Chris Robshaw, 20 Rohan O’Regan, 21 Nate Augspurger, 22 Josh Thiel, 23 Marcus Tupuola
Date: Sunday, March 13
Venue: John F. Kennedy Stadium, Hoboken
Kickoff: 15:00 local (12:00 Pacific)
Referee: Mike Lash (New Zealand)
Assistants: Lex Weiner (USA) & Miles McIvor (USA)
TMO: Nick Hannon (USA)
Broadcasts: Fox 5 San Diego, The Rugby Network
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2021-03-20 – San Diego Legion 29, Rugby United New York 36 (James Regional Sports Park)
2020-03-08 – San Diego Legion 24, Rugby United New York 20 (Torero Stadium)
2019-06-09 – San Diego Legion 24, Rugby United New York 22 (Torero Stadium)
2019-04-14 – Rugby United New York 19, San Diego Legion 29 (MCU Park)
2019-01-27 – San Diego Legion 23, Rugby United New York 25 (Torero Stadium)
