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It’s another pivotal Western Conference clash in San Diego on Sunday night as the Legion host the SaberCats at the Sports Deck. Houston are two points behind their hosts for third spot and level with Seattle, but with a game at hand have a chance to take a big step towards a ticket to the postseason.
The two sides squared of at AVEVA Stadium in February, when the Legion pulled away in the second half for a decisive victory. It was the fifth time San Diego have come out on top in the head-to-head series, with Houston winning just once since their first meeting during the inaugural 2018 season.
Houston have rebounded from a miserable 2021 campaign with their best season to date. Their six wins thus far equals a franchise best, but with five weeks still to play their ambition will be greater than merely setting a new mark. The SaberCats arrive in San Diego confident and well-rested after a bye week, with their last outing a comprehensive victory over the Toronto Arrows.
Suspensions to Wynand Grassmann and Gerrie Labuschagne contribute account for two of the four changes to the side this week. Gideon van Wyk fills the vacancy on the flank, with Malon Al-Jiboori in at No8 for the injured Jaco Bezuidenhout. New arrival Javon Camp, a promising second row on loan from the Free Jacks, could make his professional debut as a replacement.
Labuschagne’s place on the wing goes to fellow South African Marcell Muller, who makes his anticipated Major League Rugby debut after being sidelined for the first half of the season. Davey Coetzer has recovered from a short-term injury to take his place at No10, with Kian Meadon moving to fullback. Nick Boyer and Zach Pangelinan are the only backs in reserve.
San Diego took advantage of their match against the winless Jackals to snap a three-game losing streak. It came at a cost, however, with Thomas Morani suffering a season-ending knee injury late in the game. Tiaan Loots also limped off but has made a rapid recovery to take up a spot on the bench.
There is good news with the return of Bjorn Basson after taking a knock against ATL two weeks ago. He starts on the wing with Tomas Aoake moving to the midfield for the first time. The forward pack is identical this week though there are notable additions of Paddy Ryan, Rohan O’Regan, and Tevita Tameilau who will make an impact in the second half.
With games against both LA and Austin on the horizon, the Legion can’t afford to let any points slip up at home. Houston have a more favorable schedule but will also be targeting this match as a must-win. San Diego have plenty of firepower, but can they handle the SaberCats scrum? Take the home side as narrow favorites in a compelling match that could go either way.
Kickoff is set for 4pm local time, 6pm Central, 7pm Eastern. A local broadcast will be available on Fox 5 San Diego with AT&T SportsNet Southwest airing the match on delay. Viewers elsewhere in the USA and abroad can watch live on The Rugby Network.
SAN DIEGO LEGION
1 Nathan Sylvia, 2 Peter Malcolm, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 4 Jale Railala, 5 Ben Mitchell, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Michael Smith, 8 Dan Pryor, 9 Jason Higgins, 10 Will Hooley, 11 Bjorn Basson, 12 Ma’a Nonu (capt.), 13 Tomas Aoake, 14 Ryan Matyas, 15 Matías Freyre
Replacements: 16 Pat Lynott, 17 Joe Walsh, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Tevita Tameilau, 20 Rohan O’Regan, 21 Joe Pietersen, 22 Tiaan Loots, 23 Chris Turori
HOUSTON SABERCATS
1 Alec McDonnell, 2 Dean Muir (capt.), 3 Juan Pablo Zeiss, 4 Marno Redelinghuys, 5 Siaosi Mahoni, 6 Gideon van Wyk, 7 Keni Nasoqeqe, 8 Malon Al-Jiboori, 9 Dillon Smit, 10 David Coetzer, 11 Marcell Muller, 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 13 Christian Dyer, 14 Matai Leuta, 15 Kian Meadon
Replacements: 16 Diego Fortuny, 17 Frikkie de Beer, 18 Aaron Mitchell, 19 Will Crawford, 20 Emmanuel Albert, 21 Nick Boyer, 22 Zach Pangelinan, 23 Javon Camp
Date: Sunday, May 8
Venue: SDSU Sports Deck, San Diego
Kickoff: 16:00 local (18:00 Central, 19:00 Eastern)
Referee: Paulo Duarte (Portugal)
Assistants: Marquise Goodwin (USA) & Alexis Alfaro (USA)
TMO: Kahlil Harrison (USA)
Broadcasts: AT&T SportsNet Southwest (delayed), Fox 5 San Diego, The Rugby Network
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2022-02-26 – Houston SaberCats 20, San Diego Legion 31 (AVEVA Stadium)
2021-05-29 – San Diego Legion 39, Houston SaberCats 11 (Elite Athlete Training Center)
2021-04-10 – Houston SaberCats 34, San Diego Legion 32 (AVEVA Stadium)
2019-04-28 – Houston SaberCats 19, San Diego Legion 40 (Dyer Stadium)
2019-02-09 – San Diego Legion 17, Houston SaberCats 13 (Torero Stadium)
2018-05-04 – San Diego Legion 35, Houston SaberCats 32 (Torero Stadium)
