Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Old Glory’s search for an elusive first win of the season continues on Saturday when they host NOLA Gold at Segra Field. It’s been a frustrating campaign to say the least for the men from DC, who dwell in the basement of the overall standings without a single point registered from six consecutive defeats.
The bye week a fortnight ago may have allowed Old Glory a chance to rest but it was not followed with a result as they struggled to find any form of parity against Rugby ATL. This past week saw the squad boosted by the arrival of Uruguayan front rower Facundo Gattas. His impact will be limited to a replacement appearance against the Gold.
Rob Irimescu retains his spot in the No2 shirt, with Jack Carroll handed his first ever Major League Rugby start at loosehead prop. Felix Kalapu is a late scratch though Tevita Naqali is fit this week to step in on the blindside flank, with Dom Bailey swapping in for Cory Daniel at openside.
There is only one change in the backline but it is significant. Rohan Saifoloi is notably left out with Mike Dabulas handed the reins at flyhalf this week. It’s just the second start of the season for the Eagles cap, his first since an impressive showing against Rugby ATL way back in Round 1.
NOLA are the second-lowest team on the Eastern Conference table but do have two wins under their belt. Last week’s showing against New York at home was a disappointment and a loss to Old Glory, despite playing on the road, would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Changes at prop see Kevin Sullivan tagging in for Matt Harmon at loosehead and Dino Waldren stepping back in at tighthead in the absence of injured Brian Nault. With Billy Stewart still on the sidelines there is a tactical change as Cam Dolan moves up to lock and Maciu Koroi comes in at No8. Osaiasi Tonga’uiha joins brother Moni on the roster in his first appearance of the season.
There are further changes in the backline. Damian Stevens returns at scrumhalf and the experiment of JP du Plessis on the wing is over. The South African moves back to his regular inside center spot with Carl Meyer dropping back to fullback. Harley Wheeler takes up the vacant No14 position.
Somewhat breezy conditions are expected but that should have little effect as both teams prefer to keep ball in hand. Carroll will be under inspection by Waldren at the scrum, with the latter keen to revive his Eagles ambitions. Dabulas brings dynamism to the DC attack. Can the home side hold their discipline in defense? Old Glory are in with a chance but NOLA are the superior side at the moment.
Kickoff is set for 3pm local time, 2pm Central, noon Pacific. Local broadcasts will be available on Yurview in New Orleans and NBC Sports Washington, with The Rugby Network streaming worldwide.
OLD GLORY DC
1 Jack Carroll, 2 Rob Irimescu, 3 Jake Ilnicki, 4 Apisai Naikatini, 5 Stan South, 6 Tevita Naqali, 7 Dom Bailey, 8 Luke Campbell, 9 Danny Tusitala (capt.), 10 Mike Dabulas, 11 Peni Lasaqa, 12 Junior Sa’u, 13 William Talataina, 14 Doug Fraser, 15 Renata Roberts-Te Nana
Replacements: 16 Facundo Gattas, 17 Will Vakalahi, 18 Kyle Stewart, 19 Fintan Coleman, 20 Cory Daniel, 21 John LeFevre, 22 Jack Russell, 23 Owen Sheehy
NOLA GOLD
1 Kevin Sullivan, 2 Pat O’Toole, 3 Dino Waldren, 4 Cam Dolan (capt.), 5 Ignacio Dotti, 6 Moni Tonga’uiha, 7 Devin Short, 8 Maciu Koroi, 9 Damian Stevens, 10 Robbie Coleman, 11 Ross Depperschmidt, 12 JP du Plessis, 13 Juan Cappiello, 14 Harley Wheeler, 15 Carl Meyer
Replacements: 16 George Sharpe, 17 Matt Harmon, 18 James Irey, 19 Malcolm May, 20 Osaiasi Tonga’uiha, 21 Devereaux Ferris, 22 JP Eloff, 23 Nick Feakes
Date: Saturday, March 26
Venue: Segra Field, Leesburg
Kickoff: 15:00 local (12:00 Pacific, 14:00 Central)
Referee: Luke Rogan (USA)
Assistants: Aaron Davis (USA) & Craig Sakowski (USA)
TMO: Nick Hannon (USA)
Broadcasts: NBC Sports Washington, The Rugby Network, Yurview
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2021-02-12 – Old Glory DC 21, NOLA Gold 25 (Segra Field)
2021-03-21 – NOLA Gold 26, Old Glory DC 26 (The Gold Mine)
2020-02-08 – NOLA Gold 46, Old Glory DC 13 (The Gold Mine)
