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The Chicago Hounds will play their final home game of their inaugural campaign against the San Diego Legion on Saturday night. It won’t be the last Major League Rugby match at SeatGeek Stadium this season however, and few would bet against the visitors returning for the July 8th Championship Final.
San Diego are now on the verge of MLR history after tying New England’s record of 10 consecutive victories last Sunday. Wary of Seattle’s continued threat for top spot in the West, Danny Lee has selected a starting side that shows just two personnel changes from the lineup that got the better of New York.
Isaac Ross is ruled out with injury so it’s Chris Turori who comes in at lock, with Jale Railala providing cover off the bench. In the back row there is a welcome return for Christian Poidevin on the flank, with Tupou Afungia shifting to No8 and Tevita Tameilau named as an impact substitute.
At the other end of the spectrum, Chicago have now lost 9 straight despite a near-miss against New York and a valiant comeback attempt in Houston last weekend. Sam Harris will field his strongest available side absent Mark O’Keeffe, with just two changes to the starting lineup.
Hugh Roach makes a timely return at hooker after spending the past five games on the sidelines, with Lindsey Stevens dropping to the bench. At scrumhalf it’s a recall for Michael Baska who had been consigned to a reserve role for the past four weeks.
The Legion will have some jet lag but should feel right at home in the warm weather on the forecast. While the Hounds have shown some signs of improvement and appear due for another victory, doing so against genuine title contenders seems a stretch. Expect San Diego to be standing alone as record-holders come the final whistle.
Kickoff is set for 6pm local time, 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern. Fox Sports 1 will broadcast nationwide with The Rugby Network streaming for viewers located abroad.
CHICAGO HOUNDS
1 George Thornton, 2 Hugh Roach, 3 Paddy Ryan, 4 John Cullen, 5 Cam Dodson, 6 Mike Matarazzo, 7 Maclean Jones, 8 Luke White, 9 Michael Baska, 10 Luke Carty, 11 Julián Domínguez, 12 Billy Meakes, 13 Bryce Campbell (capt.), 14 Matai Leuta, 15 Chris Mattina
Replacements: 16 Lindsey Stevens, 17 LaRome White, 18 Charlie Abel, 19 Michael de Waal, 20 Tinashe Muchena, 21 Justice Nkombua, 22 Sidney Shoop, 23 JP Eloff
SAN DIEGO LEGION
1 Faka’osi Pifeleti, 2 Sama Malolo, 3 Luke Green, 4 Ben Grant, 5 Chris Turori, 6 Christian Poidevin, 7 Blair Cowan (capt.), 8 Tupou Afungia, 9 Richard Judd, 10 Will Hooley, 11 Nate Augspurger, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 13 Marcel Brache, 14 Tomas Aoake, 15 Mikey Te’o
Replacements: 16 Shilo Klein, 17 Nathan Sylvia, 18 Chris Baumann, 19 Jale Railala, 20 Tevita Tameilau, 21 Michael Smith, 22 Josh Henderson, 23 Ryan Matyas
Date: Saturday, June 3
Venue: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview
Kickoff: 18:00 local (16:00 Pacific, 19:00 Eastern)
Broadcasts: Fox Sports 1, The Rugby Network
Referee: Luke Rogan (USA)
Assistants: Adam Falk (USA) & Niall Little (USA)
TMO: Mike Lash (New Zealand)
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2023-04-16 – San Diego Legion 48, Chicago Hounds 24 (Snapdragon Stadium)
