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It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the mid-point of the inaugural PRO Rugby season, but here we are already in Week 7. The season seems to be flying by and if things don’t change in a hurry for Sacramento, they could be left to fight it out with San Francisco for the Wooden Spoon. Third-place San Diego can jump ahead of Ohio with the win.
An entire Canadian front row will take the field on Saturday, albeit split between the two sides. Jake Ilnicki makes his debut at last for San Diego, partnering with Hubert Buydens at prop and pushing Joe Taufete’e back into the middle of the scrum. Brian Doyle returns from injury to join the second row and in a slight surprise move Tai Tuisamoa starts at no8 with Sione Tu’ihalamaka set to play a role as an impact sub.
Kalei Konrad gives Kurt Morath a rest at flyhalf and makes his run-on debut, and Phil Mackenzie moves back into the midfield in place of absent Ryan Matyas. Tim Stanfill fills the vacant left wing position, and reserve back Ben Leatigaga rejoins the team after a spell with the Eagles 7s squad.
Ray Barkwill will square up against his Canuck mates in a Sacramento front row that has impressed thus far. John Quill returns to lead the side after missing the Ohio match with injury. Robert Meeson moves back to lock, with Matt Doubek back on the bench. Powerhouse no8 Langi Haupeakui also makes a welcome return to the starting side.
A pair of interesting choices are seen in the backline. Mirco Bergamasco lines up at the unusual position of flyhalf, and Sione Latu moves from the back of the scrum to the midfield, a position he plays for his local Blackhawks club side. An exciting newcomer is found on the bench in the form of center Cody Jerabek, who joins directly from the University of Wyoming. A former track athlete, Jerabek has serious speed and is an impressive physical specimen.
When last the two teams met in Week 2, also at Torero Stadium, San Diego were 37-24 winners. The good news for Sacramento is today is a new day. Selecting Bergamasco out of position is a bold move but one that could pay off, while Latu alongside Nemia Qoro gives them two hard-running options at center to compliment Haupeakui in the back row.
There are questions, of course. The lineout could be a problem with Doyle back in, while the San Diego front row looks much more convincing with all hands on deck at last. If San Diego can get a steady stream of possession, it will spell trouble for Sacramento. It will be up to Quill & Co. to make sure they win the collisions up front. With a little luck, this could be a belter.
SAN DIEGO
1 Hubert Buydens 2 Joe Taufete’e 3 Jake Ilnicki 4 Brian Doyle 5 David Dolinar 6 Chris Turori 7 Cecil Garber 8 Tai Tuisamoa 9 Tom Bliss 10 Kalei Konrad 11 Tim Stanfill 12 Andrew Suniula 13 Phil Mackenzie (capt.) 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya 15 Mike Te’o
16 Mike Sosene-Feagai 17 Mason Pedersen 18 Kakalea Pule 19 Nikola Bursic 20 Sione Tu’ihalamaka 21 Charlie Purdon 22 Kurt Morath 23 Ben Leatigaga
SACRAMENTO
1 Valdemar Lee-Lo 2 Ray Barkwill 3 Olive Kilifi 4 Robert Meeson 5 Sione Sina 6 Kyle Sumsion 7 John Quill (capt.) 8 Langi Haupeakui 9 Chris Saint 10 Mirco Bergamasco 11 Joeli Tikoisuva 12 Nemia Qoro 13 Sione Latu 14 Ryan Thompson 15 Garrett Brewer
16 Cameron Falcon 17 Toke Kefu 18 Estephan Tuamasaga 19 Matt Doubek 20 Ryan Koewler 21 Jope Motokana 22 Pate Takiveikata 23 Cody Jerabek
Date: Saturday, May 28
Venue: Torero Stadium, San Diego
Kickoff: 18:30 local (19:30 MDT, 21:30 EDT)
Referee: Leah Berard
Assistants: Nick Ricono & Jamie Miller
Broadcasts: PRO Rugby (web stream)
Tickets: University of San Diego
