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The sudden shake-up in the Western Conference playoff picture won’t affect the only Saturday game this week. Whatever happens this will be the final act of the season for both the Dallas Jackals and the Utah Warriors, and the last chance for the home side to get an elusive victory in their debut campaign.
Things just haven’t worked out for the Jackals this season, with only four losing bonus points from 15 games played. It’s been three months since they finished within one score of an opponent, though to their credit they were dead even with the LA Giltinis until halftime in their most recent outing two weeks ago.
There are two personnel changes up front. Bronson Teles comes in at lock for Campbell Robinson, while Matthew Gash-Gilder drops to the bench to make room for Adriaan Booysen in the back row. Connor Robinson is set to make his Major League Rugby debut as a replacement. The 22-year-old hooker arrived in a trade from the Free Jacks last month.
In the backs there is no sign of Veramu Dikidikilati or Cael Hodgson this week. Juan Pablo Aguirre fills the gap in the midfield, with Kelly Kolberg handed his second start for the club on the wing in what could be the last run for the 37-year-old in front of his home town fans.
Utah are intent on ending their frustrating season on a positive note. They have won two of their last four outings, with two losing bonus points earned in each defeat. One-time Eagles cap Chad Gough will lead the side out in what is his final appearance for the club with his retirement already confirmed.
Along with the recognition of Gough’s service, there are a trio of notable firsts in the team. Tighthead prop Elijah Hayes and second row David Beach are handed their first starts. For Hayes it’s also his regular season debut. 19-year-old outside back Siaosi Nauer is set for his professional bow as a replacement.
Other changes to the lineup see Olive Kilifi starting at looosehead prop and Saia Uhila moving to the blindside flank with regular skipper Bailey Wilson on bench duty. With Zion Going ruled out and Niall Saunders suspended, it’s Danny Christensen who starts at scrumhalf. Tomasi Tonga and Connor Burns are called up to the midfield and wing respectively with no place for Mika Kruse or Calvin Whiting.
The last time these two teams met saw the Warriors racking up a record score at Zions Bank Stadium. Away from home and with several inexperienced players included this should be a more competitive outing. Unfortunately for Dallas it’s not enough to suggest they will get their first win. Take Utah to close out their season in style.
Kickoff is set for 7pm local time, 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 8pm Eastern. Local broadcasts will be available on KJZZ and KSL Sports online in Utah, with Bally Sports Southwest airing the game on delay. Those located elsewhere in the USA and abroad can watch on The Rugby Network.
DALLAS JACKALS
1 Liam Murray, 2 Dewald Kotze, 3 Herman Agenbag, 4 Bronson Teles, 5 Charlie Hola, 6 Conrado Roura, 7 Jack Paloucek, 8 Adriaan Booysen, 9 Carlo de Nysschen, 10 Adriaan Carelse, 11 Rodrick Waters, 12 Juan Pablo Aguirre, 13 Lui Sitama, 14 Kelly Kolberg, 15 Chris Pennell (capt.)
Replacements: 16 Connor Robinson, 17 Ryan Bower, 18 Alex Tucci, 19 Mike Matarazzo, 20 Matthew Gash-Gilder, 21 Tom Brusati, 22 Chad London, 23 Campbell Johnstone
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Olive Kilifi, 2 Chad Gough (capt.), 3 Elijah Hayes, 4 David Beach, 5 Puna Vuli, 6 Saia Uhila, 7 Lance Williams, 8 Jurie van Vuuren, 9 Danny Christensen, 10 Caleb Makene, 11 Joe Mano, 12 Tyler Fisher, 13 Tomasi Tonga, 14 Connor Burns, 15 Mike Te’o
Replacements: 16 Tuvere Vugakoto, 17 Emerson Prior, 18 Paul Mullen, 19 Thomas Tu’avao, 20 Bailey Wilson, 21 Coleson Warner, 22 Paul Lasike, 23 Siaosi Nauer
Date: Saturday, June 4
Venue: Choctaw Stadium, Arlington
Kickoff: 19:00 local (17:00 Pacific, 18:00 Mountain, 20:00 Eastern)
Referee: Jack Gohl (Australia)
Assistants: Kat Roche (USA) & Andrew Low (USA)
TMO: Derek Summers (USA)
Broadcasts: Bally Sports Southwest (delayed), KJZZ, KSL Sports, The Rugby Network
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2022-03-05 – Utah Warriors 69, Dallas Jackals 22 (Zions Bank Stadium)
