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The Western Conference title will be decided on Saturday when the SaberCats host the Seawolves at AVEVA Stadium. Seattle won their spot in the final four after a comprehensive win over San Diego last weekend, while Houston advanced directly following the dramatic postseason expulsion of both Austin and LA by Major League Rugby brass.
It was just three weeks ago that these two sides met at Starfire Stadium. On that day Seattle won the battle but Houston’s two losing bonus points knocked the Seawolves out of playoff contention… or so we thought. In March it was the SaberCats who had the edge albeit by just two points.
Allen Clarke was understandably delighted with his team’s effort against the Legion, and has made no changes to the run-on side. There are two notable returns on the bench. Sean McNulty is the reserve hooker while Eagles center Tavite Lopeti is declared fit for duty but David Busby keeps the starting role.
Meanwhile Pote Human’s men have enjoyed the week off to rest and recharge the batteries. In fact most have had two weekends off, with the SaberCats opting for a second-string side in the regular season finale. Human has restored the identical match day 23 that faced the Seawolves in Round 17.
The early evening kickoff will make for some difficult conditions with blazing hot temperatures on the forecast. It’s a far cry from the cool ocean breeze of the Pacific Northwest. Both benches will play a crucial role and it’s notable that Houston have included an extra forward.
Seattle may be battle-hardened but the SaberCats will have energy to spare and plenty of time to study film and prepare. Their set piece is more dependable than San Diego’s proved to be, and the backline matches up well. If Houston can stay disciplined and limit opportunities for danger man Duncan Matthews, this is a golden opportunity to make their first ever playoff match a memorable one.
Kickoff is set for 6pm local time, 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern. Fox Sports 2 will broadcast nationwide with The Rugby Network streaming to viewers abroad.
HOUSTON SABERCATS
1 Alec McDonnell, 2 Dean Muir (capt.), 3 Juan Pablo Zeiss, 4 Marno Redelinghuys, 5 Siaosi Mahoni, 6 Danny Barrett, 7 Wynand Grassmann, 8 Malon Al-Jiboori, 9 Dillon Smit, 10 David Coetzer, 11 Gerrie Labuschagne, 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 13 Christian Dyer, 14 Matai Leuta, 15 Robbie Povey
Replacements: 16 Axel Zapata, 17 Frikkie de Beer, 18 Aaron Mitchell, 19 Gideon van Wyk, 20 Emmanuel Albert, 21 Nick Boyer, 22 Zach Pangelinan, 23 Keni Nasoqeqe
SEATTLE SEAWOLVES
1 Mzamo Majola, 2 James Malcolm, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Samu Manoa, 5 Rhyno Herbst, 6 Andrew Durutalo, 7 Travis Larsen, 8 Riekert Hattingh (capt.), 9 JP Smith, 10 AJ Alatimu, 11 Martin Iosefo, 12 David Busby, 13 Dan Kriel, 14 Ross Neal, 15 Duncan Matthews
Replacements: 16 Sean McNulty, 17 Kellen Gordon, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Brad Tucker, 20 Tommy Clark, 21 Reid Watkins, 22 Tavite Lopeti, 23 Lauina Futi
Date: Saturday, June 18
Venue: AVEVA Stadium, Houston
Kickoff: 18:00 local (16:00 Pacific, 19:00 Eastern)
Referee: Scott Green (USA)
Assistants: Luke Rogan (USA) & Kahlil Harrison (USA)
TMO: Derek Summers (USA)
Broadcasts: Fox Sports 2, The Rugby Network
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2022-05-27 – Seattle Seawolves 43, Houston SaberCats 36 (Starfire Stadium)
2022-03-12 – Houston SaberCats 21, Seattle Seawolves 19 (AVEVA Stadium)
2021-07-15 – Seattle Seawolves 40, Houston SaberCats 21 (Starfire Stadium)
2021-03-20 – Houston SaberCats 30, Seattle Seawolves 24 (AVEVA Stadium)
2019-04-13 – Houston SaberCats 10, Seattle Seawolves 52 (AVEVA Stadium)
2019-03-10 – Seattle Seawolves 27, Houston SaberCats 14 (Starfire Stadium)
2018-06-02 – Houston SaberCats 7, Seattle Seawolves 20 (Dyer Stadium)
