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RFC Los Angeles scored their first victory since relocating from Atlanta on Sunday, defeating the Utah Warriors 36-32 in a windy clash in Carson. The home side were a step ahead of their guests for most of the match, with the visitors scoring twice late in the game to salvage two bonus points.
Utah struck first with a wide attack on first phase from a lineout. LA’s defense rushed up to close the space but Mika Kruse tapped the ball on to Michael Manson, who in turned freed Isaia Kruse. The winger tiptoed down the sideline and dove into the corner for a highlight-reel finish.
Reegan O’Gorman left the field with an upper body injury, replaced by Max Katjijeko, and moments later LA’s other starting lock Jurie van Vuuren was binned for a high tackle. The Warriors couldn’t take advantage, however, and a loose pass from Joel Hodgson instead ended up in the hands of Andrew Coe for a 30-meter run-in.
The scrum battle was in favor of Utah but their lineout was functioning poorly in the breeze with three consecutive throw-ins ruled not straight. Having given up possession, they then conceded an offside penalty with gave Dan Hollinshead an easy three points and killed off the remainder of the yellow card.
With their scrum back at full strength LA held on their own put-in, with Coe attacking the blindside to connect with Semi Kunatani. The Fijian made ground and then Hollinshead slipped through a half gap to put the Warriors back on their heels. A couple phases later Jason Damm drove home from short range to stretch the lead to 12 points.
The Warriors got three points from the boot of Hodgson after a scrum penalty. Katjijeko spoiled what looked like a runaway try for Kieran McClea, but it was only a temporary delay as Utah turned up the pressure. Joe Mano came off his left wing spot looking for work and was rewarded with a try in the right corner to leave it 17-13 to the home side at halftime.
Within 10 minutes of the second half LA had their bonus point. Coe chipped and regathered to get in behind the defense, and Alex Maughan’s offload sent front row partner Bruce Kauika-Petersen over for a third try. The fourth came via Kunatani on a tap penalty, ending a move that was started by the flanker with an offload that sent captain Niall Saunders deep into Utah territory.
Both teams called for fresh legs from the bench and Utah’s replacements made an impact. Nic Souchon found his target at the lineout and the drive was successful, with Onehunga Havili getting the credit. Hodgson’s conversion attempt was blown well wide by the wind, and a long-range penalty attempt soon after fell short.
Again the Warriors were denied points when another forward drive was held up under the posts. The home side fired back and again found space on a weakly-guarded short side. Hollinshead drew in the last defenders and Coe went in for a double to all but end any hopes of a Utah victory.
With just a few minutes left on the clock Kunatani saw yellow for repeat infringements and Souchon was immediately in for a try, with Saia Uhila dragging his teammate over the line. That secured the first bonus point and the second came when Michael Manson crossed on the end of a long break-out. Hodgson quickly dropped over the conversion to ensure a restart but a knock-on brought an end to proceedings.
Both teams enjoy bye weeks to rest and recharge for a challenge mid-season run. Utah return home to face Anthem Carolina on Friday, April 5, while LA are on the road the following day against Old Glory DC.
| SCORING |
LOS ANGELES 36
Tries (5) – A. Coe 2 (11′, 68′), J. Damm (26′), B. Kauika-Petersen (42′), S. Kunatani (48′)
Cons (4) – D. Hollinshead 4/5 (12′, 27′, 43′, 49′)
Pens (1) – D. Hollinshead 1/1 (18′)
YC (2) – J. van Vuuren (8′), S. Kunatani (73′)
UTAH 32
Tries (5) – I. Kruse (6′), J. Mano (35′), O. Havili (55′), N. Souchon (74′), M. Manson (79′)
Cons (2) – J. Hodgson 2/5 (75′, 79′)
Pens (1) – J. Hodgson 1/2 (31′)
| LINEUPS |
RFC LOS ANGELES
1 Alex Maughan (17 Lincoln Si’i 59′), 2 Bruce Kauika-Petersen (16 Ben Strang 49′), 3 Conor Young (18 Dane Zander 49′), 4 Jurie van Vuuren (20 Michael Amiras 49′), 5 Reegan O’Gorman (19 Max Katjijeko 7′), 6 Semi Kunatani, 7 Matt Heaton, 8 Jason Damm, 9 Niall Saunders (capt.) (21 Tas Smith 49′), 10 Dan Hollinshead, 11 Jack Shaw, 12 Seth Purdey, 13 Will Leonard, 14 Andrew Coe, 15 Austin White (23 Sam Walsh 75′)
Not used: 22 Theo Vukasinovic
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Emerson Prior (17 Paul Mullen 49′), 2 Phil Bradford (16 Nic Souchon 49′), 3 Angus MacLellan (18 Tonga Kofe 59′), 4 Matt Jensen, 5 Louis Conradie (19 Saia Uhila 49′), 6 Frank Lochore, 7 Dylan Nel (20 Onehunga Havili 28′), 8 Thomas Tu’avao, 9 Kieran McClea (21 Zion Going 64′), 10 Joel Hodgson (capt.), 11 Joe Mano, 12 Paul Lasike (23 Alesana Pohla 75′), 13 Mika Kruse, 14 Isaia Kruse, 15 Michael Manson
Not used: 22 Robbie Povey
| MATCH INFO |
Date: Sunday, March 24
Venue: Dignity Health Track Field, Carson
Kickoff: 15:00 local
Weather: partly cloudy, 62°F (17°C), wind W 20-30mph (32-48km/h)
| OFFICIALS |
Referee: Cisco Lopez (USA)
Assistants: Mike Lawrenson (USA) & Kirk Swanner (USA)
TMO: Mike Kelly (USA)
| HIGHLIGHTS |
